Mainland Chinese authorities finished a five-day maritime operation on Wednesday that included the first hydrographic survey east of Taiwan. The effort filled gaps in seabed data for the area.
The survey formed part of a coordinated operation involving China’s coastguard, local maritime safety administrations, the East Sea Navigation Support Centre and the East China Sea Rescue Bureau.
An article by the Yuyuan Tantian account linked to state broadcaster CCTV described the work as a strategic breakthrough. It said the survey allowed Beijing to exercise effective jurisdiction over waters surrounding Taiwan.
An expert noted that detailed knowledge of the waters and seabed could support more effective submarine and anti-submarine operations.