Beijing planning more surveys east of Taiwan to assert sovereignty, state media reports

China is planning to conduct regular maritime surveys in the waters east of Taiwan, signaling an intensified effort to assert its sovereignty claims. State media reported that Beijing intends to make these surveys a routine matter, particularly in the wake of recent discussions between Japan and the Philippines.

An article by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account linked to state broadcaster CCTV, indicated that mainland China is diversifying its approach to asserting claims over these waters. This strategy involves a range of activities, including military drills, coastguard patrols, and natural resource surveys. The aim is to solidify China's presence and influence in the region surrounding Taiwan.

The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows diplomatic engagements between Japan and the Philippines, which China may perceive as challenging its interests. By expanding its activities east of Taiwan, Beijing seeks to underscore its territorial assertions and potentially deter actions it views as infringing upon its sovereignty.