China Conducts Patrols in Waters East of Taiwan Following Japan-Philippines Maritime Boundary Talks

Kuala Lumpur , China’s Coast Guard has carried out “law enforcement” patrols in waters east of Taiwan in direct response to Japan and the Philippines’ decision to launch maritime boundary delimitation negotiations.

The patrols took place on Monday, according to a statement from the China Coast Guard. Beijing described the operation as a “necessary action” after Tokyo and Manila unilaterally announced they would begin talks to define maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones in areas that overlap with waters claimed by China east of Taiwan.

“This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announcing the initiation of maritime boundary delimitation negotiations in the waters east of China’s Taiwan island,” the Chinese Coast Guard said.

The patrol flotilla, led by the vessel Daishan, conducted the operation in accordance with Chinese law. Taiwan’s authorities monitored the Chinese vessels and confirmed they remained outside the island’s restricted waters.

The move comes amid deepening security and maritime cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, which Beijing views as a challenge to its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the Western Pacific.

This latest development highlights the rising tensions in the region as competing maritime claims continue to spark disputes among the involved parties.