China Sends Coast Guard Patrol Near Taiwan Amid Maritime Dispute

Beijing-China’s coast guard said on Monday it conducted patrols in waters east of Taiwan in response to plans by Japan and Philippines to begin maritime boundary delimitation talks in an area Beijing says overlaps with its claims.

The patrol was described as a “law enforcement” operation aimed at safeguarding China’s sovereign rights. Beijing has criticized the planned negotiations, arguing they involve waters east of Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry rejected China’s position, saying Beijing has no authority over Taiwan’s territorial sovereignty or maritime rights. The dispute adds to growing regional tensions, with Chinese military and coast guard vessels operating frequently around Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

China claims Taiwan and most of the South China Sea under its “nine-dash line” map, a position rejected by Taiwan and several neighboring countries.