China conducts special maritime law enforcement operation east of Taiwan island

China's Ministry of Transport organized a special maritime traffic law enforcement operation in waters east of China's Taiwan island on Saturday, after Japan and the Philippines' recent unilateral announcement of launching "maritime delimitation talks" in the area.

The operation involved the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration, Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration, East China Sea navigation support center and East China Sea Rescue Bureau, Xinhua News Agency reported on Saturday.

It aims to fully exercise China's maritime administrative law enforcement jurisdiction, strengthen long-range offshore patrol and law enforcement capabilities, improve traffic management in key waters, ensure maritime traffic safety and safeguard national rights and interests, according to the report.

The operation was a necessary measure in response to the Japan-Philippines move, which has seriously infringed upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the Xinhua report said.