Taiwan monitors Chinese ships as Beijing launches maritime control operation east of the island

Taiwan deployed five coast‑guard patrol vessels to track Chinese ships spotted in a maritime operation east of the island. Four vessels were traced from Xiamen, Fujian, heading toward Taiwan's southwest coast. The patrol was prompted by concerns that recent Japan‑Philippines talks on Pacific boundary negotiations could affect Taiwan's exclusive economic zone, though the Chinese operation was not directly linked to the long‑standing China‑Taiwan dispute.

China's Ministry of Transport announced a special maritime traffic‑control operation in the same area, describing it as an exercise of Chinese jurisdiction and a response to the unilateral Japan‑Philippines negotiations. Agencies from Fujian, Guangdong and eastern China coordinated the effort. Taiwan's defence ministry recorded 22 Chinese air incursions, eight People’s Liberation Army Navy ships and two vessels crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median line, and activated combat patrol aircraft, navy ships and coastal missile systems. Chinese foreign‑ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticised Taiwan’s “independence‑seeking” actions and affirmed China’s claim to the waters.

The developments heighten tensions over maritime rights and sovereignty in the East China Sea region.