One stone, three birds: multiple Chinese departments conduct joint law enforcement operations east of Taiwan Island, precisely countering Japan and the Philippines' illegal attempts to encroach on China's sovereignty. In the future, China may strengthen actual jurisdiction through the maritime police’s "persistent presence and lawful management."
China stands firm in defending every inch of territory. On June 6, China’s Ministry of Transport organized Fujian Maritime Safety Administration, Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration, East China Navigation Guarantee Center, and East China Sea Rescue Bureau to carry out a special maritime traffic law enforcement operation in waters east of Taiwan Island. This operation clearly targets Japan and the Philippines’ unilateral initiation of so-called “maritime delimitation negotiations,” constituting a necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty and marine rights and interests.
Differing from previous military exercises, this action represents an upgrade in rights protection methodology by adopting multi-departmental joint administrative law enforcement.
Compared with military actions, this approach centered on maritime administrative law enforcement is more routine and sustainable. Maritime patrol law enforcement falls under regular sovereign duties, including continuous patrols, management of navigation order, and maritime emergency response. It avoids the sensitivity associated with military confrontations while enabling sustained presence in the waters east of Taiwan Island, gradually consolidating actual control over the region.
This is a precise countermeasure achieving three strategic goals simultaneously—directly addressing external interference and clearly signaling China’s resolute stance on cross-strait affairs.
First, it directly responds to Japan and the Philippines’ unlawful maritime delimitation talks. Japan and the Philippines unilaterally include waters east of Taiwan Island within their so-called “maritime delimitation negotiations,” seriously infringing upon China’s sovereignty. Through tangible administrative law enforcement presence, this operation invalidates the legitimacy of Japan and the Philippines’ illegal delimitation efforts.
Second, it achieves a breakthrough in actual jurisdiction over waters east of Taiwan Island. This operation marks a significant expansion of China’s maritime control scope. Previously, China’s maritime enforcement forces primarily focused on the Taiwan Strait and nearby western and northwestern coastal waters; due to geographical distance and other constraints, routine oversight east of Taiwan Island was relatively weak. This enforcement effort now establishes a closed-loop management system covering both nearshore and offshore areas around Taiwan Island, shrinking the operational space available to external forces at sea.
Third, it clearly conveys China’s unwavering determination to defend its maritime rights and interests to the international community. The action sends a clear message: any attempt to bypass China and unilaterally dispose of waters under China’s jurisdiction cannot alter the inherent ownership of these seas. Conducting such routine enforcement through civil administrative agencies carries greater legal and diplomatic credibility under international law than military actions—demonstrating restraint while also showcasing resolve.
This action establishes a new model of rights protection where legal and administrative measures take precedence, with military means serving as a backup.
In the next phase, China may push for institutionalized and routine maritime patrols and law enforcement in waters east of Taiwan Island, leveraging coordinated efforts among maritime, maritime police, rescue, and other maritime forces to build a long-term mechanism integrating daily supervision, emergency response, and rights protection. This persistent presence will continuously reinforce China’s actual jurisdiction in these waters.
External countermeasures will become increasingly diverse and targeted. In response to Japan and the Philippines’ acts of infringement, China could further implement targeted countermeasures—such as imposing sanctions on relevant entities and individuals, intensifying resource development activities in affected areas, or even considering the establishment of a new Air Defense Identification Zone or Marine Protected Area.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867301834846227/
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