A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

Coastguard vessels carried out law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Monday, in a ‘necessary action’, a spokesman said.

Japan and the Philippines said last week they would begin formal talks on delimiting the maritime boundary of the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf between the two…

BEIJING: China’s Coast Guard on Monday said it had conducted “law enforcement” patrols in Taiwan’s eastern waters in response to Japan and the Philippines’ plans to launch…

China’s coast guard said on Monday that it had carried out “law enforcement” patrols in waters east of Taiwan in response to plans by Japan and the Philippines to begin maritime…

Beijing, June 1 (Jiji Press)--China's coast guard said Monday that it has conducted patrols in waters east of Taiwan, in response to the decision by Japan and the Philippines last…

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

The Chinese coastguard’s rapid growth in recent years has included an evolution of its roles and relationships with the PLA.

Tokyo-Manila defence cooperation is linking Pacific flashpoints, with broad implications for Beijing, analysts say.

Chinese experts warn the pair could pose a threat in a conflict over Taiwan, urge tough economic and military measures.

SCMP’s coverage of the ongoing maritime and defence talks between Japan and the Philippines. The high-level summits began in late May 2026 to China’s condemnation.

Analysts warn the Tokyo-Manila boundary negotiations will be seen in Beijing as an attempt to challenge its position on Taiwan.