Beijing to expand maritime surveys east of Taiwan to assert sovereignty claim

According to Chinese state media on Friday, Beijing will turn maritime surveys in the waters east of Taiwan into a routine activity. The South China Morning Post reports that the move comes immediately after security talks between Japan and the Philippines.

Regular maritime surveys expand seabed-mapping and oceanographic data collection capabilities in the region, and are widely seen as a tool to physically reinforce Beijing's sovereignty claim over the island. Taiwan's foreign ministry said it was closely tracking the activity and would push back against any moves it considers incompatible with international law.

Tokyo and Manila have rapidly broadened their cooperation in joint defence and surveillance in recent months. The US Navy has expanded its own patrol routes in the area. Regional analysts say Beijing's step could trigger further activity beyond the Taiwan Strait, across the wider western Pacific. Trilateral naval exercises between Japan, the Philippines and the United States could be on the agenda next.