China's Ministry of Transport has launched a special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation in waters east of China's Taiwan island.

The operation is aimed at fully exercising China's maritime administrative jurisdiction, bolstering deep-sea patrol and law enforcement capabilities, as well as traffic management in key waters, and safeguarding national rights and interests, according to a statement.

An aerial drone photo taken on May 12, 2024 shows vessels of the China Coast Guard (CCG) sailing during training in the South China Sea. (Photo: Xinhua)

It added that the operation is being undertaken in response to Japan and the Philippines' unilateral announcement of maritime delimitation talks in the area – an act that the ministry said seriously infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty as well as its maritime rights and interests.

The operation was jointly launched by the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration, the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration, the Eastern Navigation Service Center of the National Maritime Safety Administration and the East China Sea rescue bureau.