In response to Japan and the Philippines initiating maritime delimitation talks, China has launched a 'special maritime law enforcement operation' east of Taiwan. This operation, coordinated by China's Ministry of Transport, aims to assert China's maritime jurisdiction in what it claims as its exclusive economic zone. The operation was prompted by a summit where Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced their negotiations. China's Foreign Ministry criticized this move, stating that any discussions regarding these waters must involve Beijing, claiming that Japan and the Philippines are violating international law. Taiwan has raised alarms over the situation, urging both nations to consult with it due to overlapping claims in the area. Meanwhile, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized that any agreements made would not be legally binding on third parties. Tensions have been heightened since November 2025, when Japan's Prime Minister warned that a Chinese takeover of Taiwan could lead to military intervention, a claim that has drawn sharp responses from Beijing.