China Launches Special Police Operation Near Taiwan Signaling Resolve in Strategic Waters

China has announced a special police operation in waters east of Taiwan, an area that remains the subject of growing territorial disputes. Japan and the Philippines reportedly seek to establish a new framework for managing the region. Officially, Tokyo and Manila have agreed only on the "demilitarization” of maritime boundaries. In practice, however, the initiative could lead to a de facto division of the contested area. Taipei has openly backed the Japanese-Philippine proposal. Beijing quickly intervened, describing the developments as "unacceptable” and pledging to take the measures it considers necessary. The issue has already sparked extensive debate across social media platforms, news outlets, and Telegram channels. From a military perspective, the operation offers several important points for analysis. Chinese Coast Guard Takes the Lead Formally, China has not deployed military units, warships, or combat aircraft as part of the special police operation. Instead, Beijing has tasked the China Coast Guard with maintaining a presence in the disputed waters. On June 6, Chinese authorities dispatched several coast guard vessels to the area.