China has intensified maritime patrols east of Taiwan following Japan and the Philippines' decision to initiate maritime boundary delimitation talks. Beijing views this as a necessary response to unilateral actions.

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...