China Launches Expanded Sea Patrols East of Taiwan in Response to Japan-Philippines Talks

China has announced increased maritime patrols east of Taiwan, a move Beijing describes as a "necessary action" in response to Japan and the Philippines initiating talks on maritime boundary delimitation.

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This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines’ unilateral announcement of the launch of maritime boundary delimitation negotiations in waters east of China’s Taiwan island, which seriously infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

The Chinese coastguard stated that its vessel Daishan conducted law enforcement patrols on Monday in waters east of Taiwan. Spokesman Jiang Lue asserted that the negotiations "seriously infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

Beijing views Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. The announcement of expanded patrols signals China's intent to assert its claims in the disputed waters.

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We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that infringe upon China’s sovereignty and rights.

China urged Japan and the Philippines to immediately halt any actions that infringe upon its sovereignty. The coastguard further declared its intention to "firmly safeguard" China's territorial integrity and maritime rights through strengthened control and management of the relevant sea areas.

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We will continue to strengthen our control and management of the relevant waters and take concrete measures to firmly safeguard [China’s] territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.