China launches special maritime operation east of Taiwan

China announced the start of a special maritime law‑enforcement operation in the waters east of Taiwan. The operation is organized by the Ministry of Transport and coordinated with regional coastal and rescue agencies, including the coast guard units of Fujian and Guangdong provinces, the East China Sea navigation support centre and the East China Sea rescue bureau. Its stated goals are to fully exercise Chinese maritime jurisdiction, strengthen deep‑water patrol capacity, improve traffic management in key sea lanes and ensure the safety of shipping.

Beijing framed the move as a direct political and military response to recent Japan‑Philippines talks on demarcating their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in the same area. China condemned the negotiations as a serious violation of its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, warning that any cooperation with “external forces” would be punished by history. The operation marks a shift from coastal guard activities to broader naval involvement, signalling a heightened Chinese stance toward Taiwan and regional maritime disputes.