Pakistan, July 5 -- China has launched a new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, intensifying maritime tensions despite growing international concern over its activities near the self-governed island. Beijing said the operation would enforce what it described as law enforcement duties within its jurisdictional waters, while Taiwan strongly rejected the move as unlawful and destabilizing for regional security.

Chinese authorities said the coast guard fleet would conduct regular patrols to protect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. Beijing has increasingly relied on its coast guard, alongside military operations, to reinforce its territorial claims over Taiwan. Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels already operate...