China announced that it has launched a "special maritime operation" east of Taiwan, further escalating its response to the recent agreement between Japan and the Philippines. These two countries plan to begin negotiations on maritime borders in the region and deepen the integration of their defense forces, Bloomberg reports.
China's Ministry of Transport organized a "special operation to enforce maritime traffic," reported the official Xinhua news agency. According to the same report, the goal of this move is to enforce China's "maritime administrative jurisdiction" and protect national interests.
This move by China represents a strong escalation and a direct response to the announcement by Tokyo and Manila that they will sit down to resolve border disputes. These talks concern waters east of Taiwan, an island that Beijing considers its territory. The designated area also overlaps with exclusive economic zones claimed by China.
Sending ships as a sign of open dissatisfaction
The talks between Japan and the Philippines "seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the Xinhua report said.
Provincial maritime agencies, as well as forces from the East China Sea, participated in this surveillance and control operation. This follows a move on June 1, when China had already sent its coast guard ships on "law enforcement patrols" east of Taiwan to openly demonstrate its displeasure. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Threat of war: Japan and the Philippines ready to respond to invasion
The latest tensions among Beijing, Tokyo, and Manila erupted after last week's meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. After the meeting, Marcos stated that both countries share a firm commitment to strengthening maritime security.
Both countries had already angered Beijing with their statements regarding Taiwan. The Philippine leader said last month that his country would likely get involved in a conflict over Taiwan due to its proximity. On the other hand, Japanese Prime Minister Takaiichi stated in November that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could be a justified reason for Japan to send its troops to the island.
(Index)
Philippine military exercises (Photo: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia / Profimedia)
