China has announced the launch of a special naval operation in the waters east of Taiwan. The Chinese news agency Xinhua reported this on June 6.
According to the Chinese side, the operation was organized by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China with the participation of the maritime administrations of the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong, as well as navigation and rescue structures of the East China Sea. We are talking about strengthening maritime patrols and monitoring navigation in the waters.
The purpose of the activities is to expand patrol capabilities in remote maritime areas and the safety of maritime transport routes. Beijing said this is also aimed at protecting national maritime rights and interests.
China called the operation a response to the decision of Japan and the Philippines to begin negotiations on maritime delimitation in the region. Beijing considers these steps a violation of its sovereignty and international maritime law.
The Chinese side emphasizes that any agreements regarding these waters are possible only with the participation of the PRC, and declares its readiness to defend its positions in the region.
