China planning more surveys east of Taiwan as it expands maritime claims, state media report (opens original article in a new tab)

China plans routine maritime surveys east of Taiwan to expand control over international waters, with the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands becoming a new pressure point. Japan and the Philippines discuss defense cooperation to counter Chinese expansion, while China claims its surveys are lawful exercises of sovereign rights.

• China plans routine maritime surveys east of Taiwan to expand control over international waters
• Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands are a new pressure point in China's operations around Taiwan
• Japan and the Philippines discuss defense cooperation to counter Chinese expansion
• China claims its surveys are lawful exercises of sovereign rights