China claims law enforcement in waters east of Taiwan; Taipei rejects claims

China has announced it is conducting "maritime traffic special law enforcement actions" in waters east of Taiwan, asserting its administrative jurisdiction. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has vehemently rejected these claims, labeling them as "unprovoked incidents" that infringe upon Taiwan's sovereign rights.

According to Chinese state media, the operation involves multiple large vessels, including patrol and rescue ships up to 10,000 tons and a deep-sea survey ship. China states this action is a response to perceived "border demarcation negotiations" initiated by Japan and the Philippines east of Taiwan, which China claims violate its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The stated goals include enhancing patrol capabilities in distant waters and managing traffic in key areas to ensure maritime safety and protect national interests.

Reports indicate that a Chinese Coast Guard fleet, including vessels of 5,000 and 3,000 tons, has been conducting "law enforcement patrols" within China's claimed exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan since early June. As of the evening of June 6, these vessels were reportedly still patrolling at a slow speed approximately 64 nautical miles east of Taiwan's Green Island.

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The Republic of China's (Taiwan's) territorial waters and economic zones are inviolable, and we absolutely do not accept" China's unprovoked actions.

In response, Taiwan's Coast Guard has deployed multiple vessels, including the Tamsui ship, to monitor the Chinese activities. The MAC emphasized that the Republic of China's (Taiwan's) territorial waters and economic zones are inviolable. "We absolutely do not accept" China's actions, the council stated, assuring the public that the Coast Guard is actively monitoring the situation and resolutely defending national sovereignty to ensure maritime security.

The MAC urged citizens to remain at ease, asserting that Taiwan will not tolerate any infringement on its maritime rights and will use practical actions to safeguard its territory.

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The Coast Guard has been closely monitoring and will use practical actions to resolutely defend national sovereignty and ensure maritime security.