Beijing on Saturday rotated a new coastguard task force into waters east of Taiwan.
The second such deployment in about a month came days after China’s top diplomat urged Washington to exercise “utmost prudence” on the self-governed island.
The move also comes close on the heels of high-level talks with the Philippines, where Beijing pressed Manila to match words with deeds and stabilise bilateral relations amid persistent South China Sea tensions.
The Chinese coastguard said on Saturday that its Xiushan ship formation had replaced the Daishan group to continue “routine law enforcement patrols” east of Taiwan.
China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesman Jiang Lue said the patrols, which began in June, involved inspection operations, fisheries protection and rescue missions. These were intended to maintain navigational order and safeguard “the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen, including Taiwan compatriots”, he said.
“The CCG will continue to strengthen law enforcement patrols in waters under China’s jurisdiction and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”