A Chinese maritime task force operating southeast of Taiwan on Monday detected two aircraft, according to a video published by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with the state broadcaster CCTV. The incident occurs amid ongoing negotiations between Japan and China to delimit overlapping maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the western Pacific Ocean east of Taiwan.
Detection
The first aircraft was observed at 6:15 a.m. local time and was noted for a distinct tilted tail assembly. The second aircraft, observed at 2:11 p.m., displayed the blue-and-white livery and markings of the Japan Coast Guard.
Context
According to Yuyuan Tantian, the patrols are part of increased Chinese maritime activities in the region. The aircraft detected are reported to be from the Japan Coast Guard. The patrols and detection occur as China and Japan continue negotiations regarding their overlapping maritime boundaries.