China Coast Guard Conducts 'Law Enforcement Patrol' East of Taiwan in Response to Japan-Philippines Talks

Japan and the Philippines announced at the end of May that they would initiate negotiations on the maritime boundaries of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and continental shelves. According to Chinese state media CCTV, China Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue announced today that a China Coast Guard fleet, including the 'Daishan,' conducted law enforcement patrols in waters east of 'China's Taiwan Island,' claiming this was an action taken against Japan and the Philippines. In a joint statement following their summit on May 28, Japan and the Philippines decided to initiate negotiations on EEZ and continental shelf boundaries, adhering to relevant international laws and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating its firm opposition to Japan and the Philippines unilaterally initiating 'maritime boundary' negotiations, claiming it 'seriously infringes on China's maritime rights and interests.' Jiang stated, 'This is a necessary action taken in response to Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announcing the initiation of boundary negotiations in waters east of China's Taiwan Island, which seriously infringes on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.' China urged Japan and the Philippines to immediately stop all illegal actions that infringe on China's sovereignty. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Philippines and Japan resolving maritime issues through peaceful dialogue and international law is consistent with Taiwan's position, and expressed its support. Furthermore, regarding the Chinese Foreign Ministry's claim that the Japan-Philippines negotiations cover Taiwan's waters, Taiwan's MOFA sternly refuted this, stating that Taiwan's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights are not subject to interference by China.