Taiwan says a Chinese maritime operation east of the island is “provocative” and amounts to “expansionism in disguise,” raising tensions amid regional maritime talks. Taiwan’s position comes after Chinese state media reported that Chinese ships are conducting a “law enforcement operation” in response to discussions between Japan and the Philippines regarding drawing a boundary in waters east of Taiwan. China asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory and says the boundary talks are illegal, while also claiming exclusive control over the relevant waters. Taiwan characterizes China’s actions as a threat to regional peace and stability and disputes the legitimacy of the operation and the underlying maritime claims. The reports describe the operation as a maritime enforcement activity by Chinese ships, but do not provide details on its scale, duration, or specific measures. The situation highlights competing views over maritime jurisdiction and boundary-setting in the region, with Taiwan and China taking opposing stances on the validity of Japan-Philippines talks and China’s asserted control over the area.