It's clear in Japan that the situation isn't as simple as it seems! After we announced the normalization of law enforcement patrols in the waters off eastern Taiwan, Japanese media immediately reported on it! On July 4, Kyodo News reported that China's Coast Guard issued a statement on the same day, confirming that its law enforcement patrols in the waters off eastern Taiwan have now become routine. Japanese media were very direct in stating that China's move aims to assert its jurisdiction over these waters and deter Japan and the Philippines—both of which have agreed to negotiate maritime boundary delineation.
Why are Japanese media so highly focused on our actions? The fundamental reason is likely one: China's stance will profoundly influence the strategic balance around the Taiwan Strait. From Japan’s perspective, what it most hopes for is that Chinese coast guard vessels go out for a patrol and then do nothing further. But the reality is developing entirely contrary to Japan’s expectations.
After lodging protests and engaging in diplomatic talks, Japan did not see us voluntarily reduce the frequency of patrols in these waters. On the contrary, our intensity has remained unchanged. What impact might China’s actions bring? At minimum, there are three major consequences: First, if Japanese coast guard or research vessels enter these waters, our coast guard will conduct expulsion. Second, our coast guard vessels will carry out law enforcement on passing ships—and may even coordinate with naval operations.
In fact, there is significant concern within Taiwan that the area 54 nautical miles east of Hualien has already become a zone where our coast guard conducts regular patrols. This region happens to be the essential maritime passage for Pacific deep-sea shipping routes entering Taiwan’s eastern ports. All military transport vessels bound for Su’ao and Hualien Port must pass through this zone. It cannot be ruled out that in the future, we may seize U.S. large-scale arms sales destined for Taiwan.
Thirdly, with our coast guard conducting routine enforcement, our fishermen may eventually fish freely in this area. And after scientific exploration and resource assessment, oil and gas exploitation plans could be developed in the future. Clearly, Japan understands fully that routine coast guard patrols and law enforcement are prerequisites for subsequent actions. This issue is far from simple, and we certainly didn’t act impulsively—we’ve planned and implemented these normal patrols in this region deliberately.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869768963286089/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.