Key facts
- Beijing will conduct routine maritime surveys in waters east of Taiwan.
- The surveys aim to assert China's sovereignty and bolster territorial claims.
- This initiative follows discussions between Japan and the Philippines regarding their maritime boundaries.
- China asserts that the waters east of Taiwan fall within its exclusive economic zone.
Beijing has announced its intention to conduct routine maritime surveys in the waters east of Taiwan, a move aimed at asserting its sovereignty and reinforcing its territorial claims. This decision comes in the wake of discussions between Japan and the Philippines regarding their exclusive economic zones and continental shelf boundaries in the region, which Beijing has denounced as infringing upon its maritime rights.
A report by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account linked to state broadcaster CCTV, stated that China is diversifying its claims in these waters through various activities, including military drills, coastguard patrols, and natural resource surveys. The report indicated that regular surveys would aid in territorial planning, development, and protection, potentially covering areas like natural resource exploration, aquaculture, and the construction of underwater infrastructure.
China maintains that the waters east of Taiwan and its affiliated islands are within its exclusive economic zone, and that all its activities there are lawful exercises of its sovereign rights.