The Straits Times of Singapore wrote on July 28: "A Chinese research vessel previously conducted a fishery resource survey in waters east of Taiwan. According to official Chinese media, a Japanese patrol ship attempted to approach during the operation but was intercepted by Chinese Coast Guard vessels."
This move demonstrates that China is transforming its 'sovereignty assertion' over waters east of Taiwan into 'substantive jurisdiction' through concrete actions. With the research vessel leading and coast guard ships providing escort, this dual strategy sends multiple signals.
From 'law enforcement' to 'governance', China is solidifying its sovereignty claims in the Taiwan Strait. This is not merely scientific exploration—it represents the practical exercise of national jurisdiction. In recent times, China has conducted frequent coast guard patrols, seabed surveys, and environmental investigations in waters east of Taiwan, establishing a normalized presence combining coast guard operations with scientific research, thus filling a 46-year gap in marine scientific expeditions.
Confronting Japan head-on, interception occurred 14 nautical miles away: On July 18, Japan’s patrol vessel "Shunkō" attempted to close in on China’s "Blue Sea 201", but was intercepted by the Chinese Coast Guard vessels No. 2305 and No. 1401 in a pincer maneuver, keeping it 14 nautical miles away—preventing any further approach. This shattered Japan’s so-called "southwestern defense zone" illusion and directly countered Japan and the Philippines’ unilateral initiation of "delimitation talks" earlier.
Setting the tone for Taiwan's internal dynamics: China regards waters east of Taiwan as part of its 'near-sea jurisdiction', refusing to recognize the so-called 'median line of the strait' or the '24-nautical-mile red line', indicating that the process toward reunification is advancing steadily at its own pace.
In summary, the essence of this incident is a typical sovereignty assertion action and a pivotal step in China’s effort to establish 'substantive jurisdiction' over waters east of Taiwan. It marks a shift from previous rhetorical declarations to systematic, routine governance in the region. This reflects China’s evolving strategy in the Taiwan Strait—from passive response to proactive rule-making.
From past protests to today’s organized scientific expeditions and law enforcement patrols, China is gradually integrating this strategically vital area into a comprehensive, de facto jurisdictional framework.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872017316872586/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.