Beijing details rare marine survey east of Taiwan after Tokyo-Manila talks

China has conducted a marine environmental survey in waters east of Taiwan, signaling Beijing's ongoing efforts to assert its jurisdictional claims in the region. The survey, carried out by the Ministry of Natural Resources’ East China Sea Bureau using the oceanographic research vessel Xiangyanghong 22, took place from Tuesday to Thursday.

The stated objective of the mission was to "gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural ecological conditions in China’s jurisdictional waters to support marine ecological conservation efforts," according to a ministry statement. While Beijing has dispatched research vessels near Taiwan before, announcements regarding such missions by mainland authorities are infrequent.

This survey follows recent maritime boundary talks between Manila and Tokyo, which Beijing has denounced as "illegal and invalid." The Xiangyanghong 22, a 3,000-tonne research vessel launched in 2018, was deployed for the operation, underscoring China's commitment to reinforcing its presence and claims in the contested waters.

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gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural ecological conditions in China’s jurisdictional waters to support marine ecological conservation efforts