China Diversifies Maritime Claims East of Taiwan, State Media Reports
Quick Look
- China is diversifying its maritime claims east of Taiwan through military drills, coastguard patrols, and resource surveys, according to state-affiliated Yuyuan Tantian.
- This follows Japan and the Philippines' talks on economic zones, which Beijing condemned.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China is reportedly diversifying its maritime claims east of Taiwan through various activities, including military drills and resource surveys, as a response to regional talks on economic zones.
An article published by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV, said mainland China was “diversifying” its claims to the waters with a range of activities, ranging from military drills and coastguard patrols to natural resources surveys.
It added that more regular surveys would help with territorial planning, development and protection. It said future operations could cover areas such as exploring for natural resources, aquaculture and building underwater infrastructure such as cables, pipes and tunnels.
It was the latest effort by Beijing to reinforce its territorial claims after Japan and the Philippines announced they were in talks about outlining their exclusive economic zones and continental shelf boundaries east of Taiwan – moves Beijing denounced as “seriously infringing upon China’s maritime rights and interests”.
China said the waters east of Taiwan and its affiliated islands fell within its exclusive economic zone, and that all activities it carried out there were lawful exercises of its sovereign rights, according to Yuyuan Tantian.
Open Questions
- What specific natural resources are being targeted?
- What is the timeline for underwater infrastructure projects?
