According to CCTV News, on May 29, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
Reporters question: On May 28, during the visit of the Philippine President to Japan, Japan and the Philippines issued a joint statement announcing the official start of negotiations on the demarcation of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf between the two countries. What is Chinas comment on this?
Mao Ning stated that the waters designated for boundary demarcation announced by Japan and the Philippines lie to the east of Taiwan Island in China. According to Chinese domestic laws and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, China has exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in those waters. Japan and the Philippines have arbitrarily initiated so-called negotiations regarding the demarcation of these waters, thereby seriously violating Chinas maritime rights and interests. This constitutes a serious violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as basic norms of international relations. China is strongly dissatisfied with this action and firmly opposes it. We have accordingly communicated our objections to Japan and the Philippines in writing.
The Chinese side solemnly declares that any so-called border demarcation negotiations between Japan and the Philippines are completely illegal and invalid. Such negotiations will have no impact on Chinas claims regarding maritime rights in the waters east of Taiwan Island, nor on Chinas exercise of its legitimate rights and interests. The Chinese side urges Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease any actions that violate Chinas maritime rights and interests, and to work towards maintaining peace and stability in the region through practical measures.
According to a report by the Japanese newspaper Kyodo, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan met with Filipino President Fidel V. Marcos in Tokyo on the 28th. Both parties agreed to begin negotiations regarding the so-called sea area demarcation.
Recently, Japans new type of militarism has been active. The Japanese Cabinet has approved a new set of Three Principles for the Transfer of Defense Equipment and guidelines for their implementation. This officially reopens the possibility of exporting lethal weapons. Regarding the relaxation of restrictions on the export of Japanese frigates, Japan and the Philippines confirmed during their meeting on the 28th that they would accelerate negotiations regarding this issue.
The two countries have also begun negotiations regarding the signing of a military and defense intelligence protection agreement (GSOMIA), with the aim of sharing confidential information related to security measures.
