China expands maritime presence east of Taiwan amid Philippines-Japan ties, report says

China is increasing its maritime presence east of Taiwan, a move that Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) researchers say is a direct response to deepening cooperation between the Philippines and Japan. The "unprecedented" Chinese operations, which began in June, involve sustained law-enforcement patrols and surveys near Taiwan, alongside questioning nearly 200 commercial vessels.

These actions follow a May agreement between Japan and the Philippines to negotiate a maritime boundary. AMTI suggests Beijing may be attempting to establish a semi-permanent presence east of Taiwan, asserting authority in waters where Japan and the Philippines have overlapping claims. This strategy mirrors the "gray-zone tactics" China has employed in the South China Sea disputes.

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The scale and character of China’s response suggest that these operations are not just about sending a signal to Tokyo and Manila.

The research group warned that the "scale and character" of China's response indicate these operations are more than just a signal to Tokyo and Manila. Beijing might be seeking "broad and unprecedented jurisdiction" over what it calls its "near seas." The maneuvers could also normalize a Chinese presence around Taiwan, raising concerns that Beijing is testing tactics applicable to a future quarantine or blockade, thereby escalating regional tensions.

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The operations in the Philippine Sea suggest Beijing seeks broad and unprecedented jurisdiction over what it calls its ‘near seas.’