China Carries Out Joint Sea Patrols to Expand Maritime Reach: Observers
In an effort to extend its maritime reach, Chinese law enforcers conducted integrated sea patrols in the Taiwan Strait over the weekend. The patrols, which were carried out by the mainland’s Ministry of Transport, aimed to enhance maritime traffic control and emergency rescue capabilities. According to reports in mainland state media, these patrols also signaled the coordination of forces as tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to escalate.
The operation took place as the fishing season began along the southeastern mainland coast, leading to an increased number of fishing vessels entering the strait and the South China Sea. This raised concerns about potential collisions with commercial ships, prompting the Ministry of Transport to step up patrols to ensure transport safety in the region.
Song Zhongping, a former instructor with the People’s Liberation Army, emphasized the necessity of such protective measures for the safety of ships and their crews. The mainland operation involved three public service ships from the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration and the East China Sea rescue bureau, covering a total distance of 413 nautical miles over 30½ hours.
However, the extension of the patrol to within 2 nautical miles of the Taiwan Strait median line raised alarms in Taiwan. While the vessels briefly crossed the median line before returning to China, the Taiwanese coastguard remained watchful throughout the operation.
According to analysts, Beijing’s aims in conducting such maritime patrols are to assert its jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, there are speculations that similar operations might soon be extended to the South China Sea to protect the large number of fishing boats operating in the area. Tensions between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea have also heightened, with allegations of ramming incidents near the disputed Sabina Shoal.
The recent activities in the South China Sea and near Taiwan are part of Beijing’s commitment to improve joint management of military, police, and civilian bodies in order to tighten land border and coastal defense. This aligns with the Communist Party’s pledge to enhance maritime safety patrols and fishery inspections, which have the potential to be used as a “grey zone” operation to challenge other states’ interests without escalating into a full-blown conflict.
In conclusion, the joint sea patrols conducted by China signify its efforts to expand its maritime reach and challenge its regional rivals. While these operations are officially intended to enhance maritime traffic control and ensure transport safety, they also serve as a demonstration of Beijing’s jurisdictional claims in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
Post Comment