China's Coast Guard announced on Monday that it had conducted "law enforcement" patrols in waters east of Taiwan, responding to plans by Japan and the Philippines to initiate maritime border delimitation talks in areas claimed by China.
Background of the Talks
Japan and the Philippines revealed last week that they would begin formal discussions on delimiting the maritime boundary of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves "in accordance with international law." Delimitation refers to the legal and cartographic process of defining a boundary between two regions or countries.
China's Response
Although no specific details were provided, China's foreign ministry stated on Friday that the area covered by the talks lies east of Taiwan, which Beijing considers its own territory. The ministry described the talks as "completely illegal, null and void." In a statement, the Chinese Coast Guard confirmed that a flotilla had conducted patrols east of Taiwan in accordance with the law, without specifying exact locations. "This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announcing the initiation of maritime boundary delimitation negotiations in the waters east of China's Taiwan island," the Coast Guard said. "We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that infringe upon China's sovereign rights and interests."
Japan's Stance
In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara argued that any agreement on maritime boundaries between Japan and the Philippines would not be legally binding on "third parties." "Therefore, we believe there is no issue whatsoever under international law," he added. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
