China has announced new coast guard patrol operations off Taiwan's eastern coast. Beijing says the operation is aimed at protecting the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
According to statements by Chinese officials, the patrol activities are conducted in waters that Beijing considers to be under its jurisdiction. It is noted that this is the second such operation conducted near Taiwan's eastern shores in the past month.
Taiwan's authorities, however, have characterized China's move as a violation of international law. Taipei's officials stated that Beijing has no legal jurisdiction in waters located east of the island.
Taiwan's Coast Guard Service has disclosed that it is currently shadowing two Chinese vessels with its own patrol ships and closely monitoring their movements.
In recent months, military and political tensions in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters continue to escalate. Taiwan's military has recently conducted large-scale exercises covering scenarios of possible blockades, sabotage operations, and information warfare from China. Meanwhile, Taipei is also expanding its anti-ship missile arsenal to strengthen its defensive capabilities against potential military threats.