Xinhua reported that China is conducting a special maritime law enforcement operation off the eastern coast of Taiwan in response to the start of talks between Japan and the Philippines on maritime delimitation in the area.

Several agencies are involved in the operation, including the Fujian and Guangdong Maritime Bureaus, the East China Sea Navigation Safety Center and the East China Sea Rescue Bureau.

Chinese authorities said the operation is aimed at strengthening control over the waters, expanding patrol and vessel traffic management capabilities, ensuring the safety of maritime transport and protecting national rights and interests.

According to Xinhua, Beijing’s actions came in response to a unilateral decision by Tokyo and Manila to begin talks on delimiting maritime borders east of Taiwan. China views these steps as a serious violation of its sovereignty and maritime rights.

Earlier, the Global Times reported that following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Japan, the two countries issued a joint statement announcing their intention to start negotiations on delimiting the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The area in question lies east of Taiwan.