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CHINA has launched coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan in a direct response to Japan and the Philippines' decision to begin formal negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation, intensifying regional tensions over competing territorial and maritime claims.
Reuters cited that the move follows last week's announcement by Tokyo and Manila that they would commence official talks to define the boundaries of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and continental shelves in accordance with international law.
Although neither country publicly specified the exact area under discussion, China contends that the waters east of Taiwan fall within territory linked to its sovereignty claims over the self-governed island, which Beijing regards as part of China.
In a statement, the China Coast Guard said its vessels had conducted law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan, describing the operation as a necessary response to the planned negotiations.
"This action is a necessary measure in response to the unilateral announcement by Japan and the Philippines to begin maritime boundary delimitation negotiations in the waters east of China's Taiwan island.
"We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that infringe upon China's sovereign rights and interests," the statement said.
The patrol announcement drew swift criticism from Taiwan, which rejected Beijing's claim to exercise law enforcement authority in the area and reaffirmed its own sovereignty over surrounding waters.
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said it had detected only two Chinese vessels operating southeast of Orchid Island in the Pacific Ocean and confirmed that neither had entered restricted waters.
"The sovereignty of the Republic of China cannot be infringed," the agency said, using Taiwan's official name.
"We remain committed to defending national sovereignty and ensuring the security of our waters."
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs later condemned Beijing's position, arguing that China had no legal standing to interfere in Taiwan's territorial and maritime affairs.
"China has no right to interfere with Taiwan's territorial sovereignty and its sovereign rights over the relevant maritime areas," the ministry said.
The dispute centres on maritime delimitation, a legal and cartographic process used to establish boundaries between neighbouring states and determine jurisdiction over maritime resources and economic zones.
In Tokyo, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, dismissed China's objections and maintained that any maritime boundary agreement reached between Japan and the Philippines would not impose legal obligations on countries outside the negotiations.
"Therefore, we believe there is no issue under international law," he said.
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The latest exchange highlights the increasingly complex strategic competition surrounding Taiwan and neighbouring waters, where Chinese military aircraft, naval vessels and coast guard ships operate with growing frequency.
Taiwan has reported near-daily Chinese military and coast guard activity around the island, reflecting Beijing's continuing efforts to assert its territorial claims despite opposition from Taipei and growing concern among regional governments. - June 2, 2026
