China’s Ministry of Transport organized a “special maritime traffic enforcement operation” on Saturday, Xinhua reported. According to the report, the aim is to enforce China’s “maritime administrative jurisdiction” and protect national interests.
Beijing’s move represents a significant escalation and a response to Tokyo and Manila’s announcement that they will discuss resolving border disputes. Those negotiations refer to the waters east of Taiwan, which China considers its territory, while the area also overlaps with the exclusive economic zones to which Beijing claims.
China claims that the talks between Japan and the Philippines “seriously violated China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
The operation involved maritime agencies from the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong, as well as forces from the East China Sea. Earlier on June 1, China had already sent coast guard ships on patrol east of Taiwan to show its displeasure. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry did not immediately comment at the time.
The new rise in tensions between Beijing, Tokyo and Manila followed a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. After the meeting, Marcos said that both countries want to strengthen maritime security.
Both countries have previously angered Beijing with statements about Taiwan. The Philippine president said his country could become involved in a possible conflict over Taiwan due to its proximity, while Takaichi previously said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could be a reason for Japan to send troops to the island.
(Vijesti.ba)
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