China and Taiwan are sparring over the legality of Chinese coast guard patrols in waters east of the island. The dispute follows announcements by Japan and the Philippines last month about beginning formal talks on maritime boundaries that include areas viewed as being off Taiwan. China says its ships are sent for a “special maritime operation” and describes the patrols as law-enforcement aimed at safeguarding sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Taiwan, by contrast, says the Chinese coast guard is “harassing” commercial vessels by demanding information about their point of origin and destination and by asserting jurisdiction near Taiwan’s waters. Chinese state media reports that ships are sent to carry out the operation in response to the Japanese and Philippine announcements. Taiwan alleges that the patrols function as jurisdictional enforcement close to its territorial waters, while Beijing frames them as legitimate enforcement actions. The issue adds to broader tensions between China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, and Taiwan, which governs independently.