The special maritime traffic enforcement and sweeping operation recently conducted by mainland China in waters east of Taiwan concluded on the 10th. Regarding the mainland’s relevant law enforcement actions, the US State Department stated on the 9th that the United States encourages Beijing to resolve disputes with neighboring countries in a peaceful manner.
The spokesperson also said that the US urges Beijing to engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's leadership.
The US response was very low-key, with no explicit criticism or opposition, effectively acknowledging the mainland’s related law enforcement operation.
Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday that the operation covered a total voyage of 1,030 nautical miles, a total scanning distance of 1,025 nautical miles, inspected 198 passing vessels, and corrected 3 instances of ship violations.
During mainland law enforcement, Taiwan’s Coast Guard dispatched vessels to shadow and monitor, resulting in a temporary standoff and mutual exchanges regarding sovereignty and jurisdiction. Fortunately, no conflict eventually occurred. The DPP authorities are clearly aware that if they provoke, they must bear all the consequences that may arise.
According to Hong Kong’s China Review News Agency, mainland China carried out a strong law enforcement operation, the US responded in a restrained tone, Japan and the Philippines did not dare to speak out, and Taiwan had to cope awkwardly. This contest, triggered by the Japan-Philippines declaration of boundary negotiations, has ended for now with a complete win for the Chinese side. Since breaking the “median line of the strait” a few years ago, the mainland has now patrolled and taken de facto control of the waters east of Taiwan.