China’s coast guard carried out patrols in waters east of Taiwan, a move described as a countermeasure to unilateral maritime delimitation discussions between Japan and the Philippines. The patrols were linked to the two countries’ announcement that they would begin formal talks on delimiting their maritime boundaries.

Taiwan described the Chinese coast guard activity as a provocative act, according to the Hindu. Beijing said the patrols were conducted in accordance with the law and intended to safeguard China’s sovereign rights and interests, as reported by civicidea.ge.

Accounts of vessel expulsions differ. India reported that Japan’s coast guard expelled Chinese vessels from waters near disputed islands, while another Indian report said China’s coast guard warned and expelled an intruding Japanese fishing boat. Times of India also reported that Japan’s coast guard expelled Chinese vessels, and separately that China’s coast guard warned and expelled a Japanese fishing boat.

On July 2, 2026, China issued a formal warning to Japanese survey ships operating in the East China Sea, according to Bluesky.

People’s Daily published a commentary accusing Japan and the Philippines, as reported by the South China Morning Post.