Taiwan Coast Guard Deploys Vessels After China Begins Law Enforcement Operation

Taiwan's coast guard said Sunday it has deployed vessels to respond to a Chinese operation in waters east of the island. Officials described the Chinese action as a violation of international law. The deployment follows a report by Chinese state media on Saturday that described the activity as a law enforcement operation.

The same report said the operation responded to talks between Japan and the Philippines about drawing a boundary in the affected waters. China asserts Taiwan is part of its territory and called the Japan-Philippines talks illegal. It has claimed exclusive control over the waters in question.

Background on the Waters The reported operation took place east of Taiwan near areas also claimed by neighboring states. Taiwan's coast guard statement did not specify the number of vessels sent or the exact location of the response.