The mainland Chinese coastguard’s first independent law enforcement patrol east of Taiwan on Monday – in response to the maritime border talks between Japan and the Philippines – marked an expansion of its patrolled area beyond the traditional focus.In recent years, apart from routine patrols around a few Taiwan-controlled islands, the CCG has also joined the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in its massive drills encircling the self-ruled island.

The patrol east of Taiwan showed “not only an expansion of [the CCG’s] sailing path, but also enhanced governing and jurisdictional capabilities”, according to an article on Tuesday by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV.

Citing maritime expert Yang Xiao, the article said routine law enforcement in multiple regions around the island suggested that a complete sea-governance system surrounding it had been completed.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States and its allies Japan and the Philippines, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state but Washington opposes any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.