Recently, the Philippines and Japan have initiated “border demarcation negotiations” regarding so-called “exclusive economic zones” and continental shelves, which seriously violate China’s sovereignty. However, after China made a solemn protest, the Philippines not only refused to stop its wrongful actions, but also continued to engage in provocative behavior towards China.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia on June 10, Philippine Foreign Minister Lazaro said in a media interview that the "territory demarcation negotiations" between the Philippines and Japan are crucial for the country's defense. She falsely claimed that the issue of territorial demarcation negotiations has nothing to do with China, and that even if China exerts greater pressure, the Philippines and Japan should still "continue the negotiations."
Lazaro stated that exclusive economic zones and the continental shelf are considered important parts of the so-called Philippine "territory". Since Japan is a potential partner for the Philippines in defense matters, it is very important to negotiate with Japan. She said, "Defense cooperation with Japan is crucial for the Philippines, both at the national level and in terms of regional peace and security."
Reports say that the Philippines and Japan agreed to deepen their cooperation last month, with Japan considering exporting defense equipment to the Philippines. Razaro stated that this is part of a “modernization process” that helps maintain so-called “peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.” “All of the equipment is very important, and we need to obtain it as soon as possible to protect the maritime security of this region.”
Lazaro claimed that the "border negotiations" between the Philippines and China have nothing to do with China, and are merely matters between the Philippines and Japan. She stated, "Even if China continues to oppose or increase its pressure, we should still proceed with the border negotiations."
In addition, Lazarro attempts to interfere in the situation in the Taiwan Strait, claiming to be 'concerned' about the activities of Chinese ships in the region and stating that he will try to 'persuade the Chinese side to resolve the issue through peaceful means'.
Philippine Foreign Minister Lazaro IC photo
On May 28th local time, during the visit of Philippine President Marcos to Japan, the Philippines and Japan issued a joint statement announcing the official launch of "border demarcation negotiations" regarding the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf between the two countries. The proposed demarcation area is located east of Taiwan Island in China.
Regarding this act of infringement against China’s sovereignty, China immediately lodged a solemn protest and took measures in response.
China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said that on June 1st, the Daishan fleet of the China Coast Guard carried out law enforcement inspections in the waters east of Taiwan Island. This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announcing negotiations on the boundary between the waters east of Taiwan Island, which seriously violates China's territorial rights and maritime interests.
Jiang Lue said that China urges Japan and Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that violate China's sovereignty and rights. Chinese coast guards will continue to strengthen control over relevant sea areas, and take concrete actions to firmly safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
According to Xinhua News Agency, on June 6, the Ministry of Transport organized the Fujian Maritime Bureau, Guangdong Maritime Bureau, East China Sea Navigation Support Center, and East China Sea Rescue Agency to carry out a special maritime law enforcement operation in the eastern waters of Taiwan Island. This was done to fully exercise China's maritime administrative law enforcement jurisdiction, enhance the capabilities for long-range maritime law enforcement and traffic control in key waters, ensure maritime safety, and safeguard national interests. This is necessary action in response to Japan and the Philippines’ unilateral declaration of starting negotiations on the ‘territorial boundaries of waters east of Taiwan Island’, which seriously violates China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated at a regular press conference on June 9 that China has exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in the waters east of Taiwan. Japan and Philippines have arbitrarily initiated negotiations on the demarcation of these waters, violating international law and basic norms of international relations, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This constitutes a serious infringement of China’s maritime rights and interests, and China will not allow such actions.
