China coast guard patrols waters east of Taiwan, angering Taipei

China's coast guard conducted routine patrols east of Taiwan, sparking concern and condemnation from Taipei, which views the move as a political operation to expand Beijing's control.

China's coast guard conducted patrols ​it described as routine law enforcement in waters east ​of Taiwan on Friday, angering Taipei, which condemned ‌the ​move as a political operation aimed at expanding Beijing's control.

The Chinese activities off Taiwan's Pacific coast have triggered concern from some Western countries, which have warned against any unilateral change ‌to the status quo or actions that could raise tension in the Taiwan Strait. In a statement, China's coast guard said the patrols east of Taiwan were led by one of its ships, Xiushan, and it would continue to strengthen such efforts.

"Since July, the ‌Xiushan task group had been strengthening control over the relevant waters to effectively ensure orderly navigation and activities," its spokesperson, ‌Jiang Lue, said. The effort was safeguarding the legitimate and lawful rights and interests, as well as the lives and property of fishermen on both sides of the Strait, he added.

Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said a patrol ship, the Taipei, was among the vessels it sent to monitor the Chinese ships, and ⁠accused Beijing ​of engaging in "fake law enforcement, real ⁠expansion of power". Two Chinese coast guard vessels, the Xiushan and Chongming, were detected on Friday, it said.

One drifted about 151 nautical miles east of ⁠Lanyu, also known as Orchid Island, and the other about 43 nautical miles to the island's northeast, it said, adding that Taiwan vessels were monitoring ​them. It vowed to "take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty" and ensure the security of Taiwan's waters.

China claims ⁠democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite Taipei's rejection of Beijing's sovereignty claims. Taiwan says only its people can decide their future. China has stepped up ⁠military ​and coast guard activity around Taiwan, including operations to the island's east, on its Pacific side, an area Taiwan sees as vital for wartime supply lines from allies.

China started the eastern patrols early in June, in response to maritime border talks ⁠between Japan and the Philippines, drawing concern from countries such as Britain, France, Germany and the United States. This week, the United ⁠States' de facto embassy in ⁠Taiwan made a rare public disclosure of coordination between their coast guards.

It released a picture of a Taiwan coast guard vessel sailing in formation with the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett at ‌an unspecified location.