Beijing rejects boundary talks with Japan and Philippines, citing illegality and invalidity, amid escalating territorial disputes and joint naval patrols in contested waters.
Japan and the Philippines have begun formal negotiations to delimit their maritime boundaries, a move that overlaps with Taiwan's exclusive economic zones and is viewed by Beijing as a challenge to its stance on Taiwan. Such bilateral agreements may lack legal weight for excluded claimants.
Chinese experts suggest Beijing might respond to deepening Japan-Philippines defense cooperation with military operations, enhanced electronic warfare, or trade sanctions. A think tank report described the pact as a "quasi-military alliance" that could restrict Chinese naval access to the western Pacific.
Japan and the Philippines are strengthening defense and maritime cooperation due to shared concerns about China. This move, alongside an enhanced strategic partnership with Vietnam, is seen as creating a more integrated security front that could impact Beijing's planning in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China's participation is essential for negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation between Japan and the Philippines, asserting that the waters east of Taiwan fall within China's EEZ.
Thailand has terminated a 2001 agreement with Cambodia concerning maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia's action highlights potential differences in resolving border disputes, despite a fragile ceasefire.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Japan and the Philippines' maritime boundary talks, located east of Taiwan, violate international law and infringe upon China's maritime rights. She emphasized that China must participate in any such negotiations concerning these waters.
Taiwan's coastguard monitored two Chinese vessels spotted near Orchid Island, approximately 51-52 nautical miles offshore. The report also touches on boundary talks between Japan and the Philippines regarding exclusive economic zones.
China's Coast Guard conducted patrols east of Taiwan, citing Japan and the Philippines' maritime boundary negotiations as an infringement on Chinese sovereignty. Spokesman Jiang Lue urged the two nations to cease "illegal actions" and vowed to "firmly safeguard" China's territorial rights.
A protest occurred after Japan and the Philippines agreed to a comprehensive strategic partnership, including security and maritime cooperation, prompting China to assert its EEZ and continental shelf rights in the area east of Taiwan.
