China launches ‘special maritime operation’ east of Taiwan China has initiated a ‘special maritime law enforcement operation’ east of Taiwan in response to maritime border talks announced by Japan and the Philippines. Beijing considers these talks illegal, asserting they infringe upon its sovereignty over Taiwan and its claimed exclusive economic zone. The operation aims to assert China’s maritime jurisdiction and protect its national interests, while Taiwan has also deployed vessels in response, deeming China’s action a violation of international law.

• China launched a ‘special maritime law enforcement operation’ east of Taiwan.
• The operation is a response to the announcement of maritime border talks between Japan and the Philippines.
• Beijing views these talks as illegal and an infringement on its sovereignty, particularly concerning Taiwan.
• China’s Ministry of Transport coordinated the operation, aiming to assert maritime administrative law enforcement jurisdiction.
• Japan and the Philippines announced the start of delimitation talks for their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.
• China’s Foreign Ministry stated that any delimitation talks east of Taiwan must involve China.
• Taiwan has also expressed concerns and deployed vessels to monitor the Chinese operation.
• Japanese officials stated that any agreement between Japan and the Philippines would not be legally binding on third parties.