BEIJING/TAIPEI: China's Coast Guard said on June 1 that it carried out "law enforcement" patrols in waters east of Taiwan.

This was in response to plans by Japan and the Philippines to begin talks to define their maritime boundaries in areas that China also claims.

Taiwan criticized the move but said it only saw two Chinese ships southeast of the island, and they did not enter restricted waters.

Japan and the Philippines said last week they would begin formal discussions to define the boundaries of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in accordance with international law. Delimitation means the legal and mapping process of fixing borders between countries or regions.

China's foreign ministry said the area discussed includes waters east of Taiwan, which Beijing considers its own territory, and called the planned talks "completely illegal" and without any effect.

China's Coast Guard said a group of its ships carried out a patrol east of Taiwan in accordance with the law, but did not provide specific details. It described the action as necessary after Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announced the talks, and urged both countries to stop actions that harm China's sovereignty.

Taiwan's Coast Guard said it monitored the two Chinese ships near Orchid Island and condemned China's claim of conducting "law enforcement." It said Taiwan's sovereignty must not be violated and that it is committed to protecting its territory and waters.

In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said any agreement between Japan and the Philippines would not be legally binding on other countries, so there is no issue under international law.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately comment.

Taiwan's foreign ministry also rejected China's remarks, saying China has no right to interfere in Taiwan's sovereignty or its maritime rights.

Taiwan says Chinese warships and aircraft operate around the island almost daily, sometimes with coast guard vessels. Last month, a Chinese coast guard ship came close to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands but left after a standoff.

Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the coast guard is mainly responsible for the Pratas area, but the navy would assist when needed under cooperation rules.

China claims Taiwan and most of the South China Sea using its "nine-dash line," which overlaps with the maritime zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Taiwan rejects China's claims.