What’s behind Beijing’s seabed mapping east of Taiwan?

It is the first time mainland Chinese maritime authorities have conducted hydrographic survey operations east of Taiwan to fill in previously incomplete seabed mapping data for the area, according to an article published on Wednesday by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV.

The survey was part of the five-day mainland Chinese maritime law enforcement operation that ended on Wednesday. Beijing coordinated multiple agencies, from its coastguard, local maritime safety administrations, the East Sea Navigation Support Centre and the East China Sea Rescue Bureau, according to the article.

“It represents a strategic breakthrough in the mainland’s efforts to exercise effective jurisdiction over waters surrounding Taiwan,” the article said.