Beijing has announced law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan, in retaliation against Japan and the Philippines’ decision to launch maritime boundary delimitation talks.
According to a statement from China’s coastguard, a formation led by its vessel Daishan conducted law enforcement patrols on Monday in waters east of Taiwan “in accordance with the law”.
“This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines’ unilateral announcement of the launch of maritime boundary delimitation negotiations in waters east of China’s Taiwan island, which seriously infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said in the statement.
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“We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that infringe upon China’s sovereignty and rights,” Jiang added.
He also said the coastguard would continue to strengthen its control and management of the relevant waters and take concrete measures to “firmly safeguard [China’s] territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests”.
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Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary.