Japan-Philippines EEZ Talks: Chiang Urges Government to Show Resolve in Defending Sovereignty
As Japan and the Philippines prepare to begin negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf boundaries, Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen on Wednesday called on the government to demonstrate its attitude and determination to defend sovereignty and take action to protect fishing rights.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 17:32
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(CNA, Taichung, June 4) As Japan and the Philippines are set to launch negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf maritime boundaries, Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen said today that what the people most want to see is the government demonstrating its attitude and determination to defend sovereignty, along with actions to safeguard fishing rights.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Japan last week and issued a joint statement with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 28, which included an announcement that the two countries have decided to begin formal consultations on the delimitation of their EEZ and continental shelf boundaries.
Because the waters subject to the Japan-Philippines negotiations highly overlap with Taiwan's exclusive economic zone, there are external concerns about whether the talks could affect Taiwan's rights and interests, as well as the operational space for Taiwanese fishermen.
Speaking to the media after an event in Taichung on Wednesday afternoon, Chiang said, "Although there are relevant agreements or cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and between Taiwan and the Philippines, the content of the Japan-Philippines negotiations does overlap with Taiwan's economic waters. The government must maintain a high degree of vigilance."
Chiang stated, "What the people most expect is to see the government demonstrate its attitude and determination to defend sovereignty, along with actions to protect fishing rights. This is because it involves the rights and interests of the nation and its people."
He added, "The international situation is changing rapidly. What substantive content is involved in the Japan-Philippines negotiations? Does the government have a grasp of it? This is what the people are more concerned about. Only by staying informed of the content and progress of the Japan-Philippines talks can we make the best response. However, it is essential to express our position and attitude externally."
When asked by reporters about his views on opinion polls regarding his potential candidacy for Taichung City Mayor, Chiang said, "I respect all polls. I am currently the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan and a representative of the people. I will continue to put the people first, speak for the people, seek advice from the grassroots, engage in dialogue with citizens, and hope to realize the vision of building Taichung into a 'flagship city.'" (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150604
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Japan last week and issued a joint statement with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 28, which included an announcement that the two countries have decided to begin formal consultations on the delimitation of their EEZ and continental shelf boundaries.
Because the waters subject to the Japan-Philippines negotiations highly overlap with Taiwan's exclusive economic zone, there are external concerns about whether the talks could affect Taiwan's rights and interests, as well as the operational space for Taiwanese fishermen.
Speaking to the media after an event in Taichung on Wednesday afternoon, Chiang said, "Although there are relevant agreements or cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and between Taiwan and the Philippines, the content of the Japan-Philippines negotiations does overlap with Taiwan's economic waters. The government must maintain a high degree of vigilance."
Chiang stated, "What the people most expect is to see the government demonstrate its attitude and determination to defend sovereignty, along with actions to protect fishing rights. This is because it involves the rights and interests of the nation and its people."
He added, "The international situation is changing rapidly. What substantive content is involved in the Japan-Philippines negotiations? Does the government have a grasp of it? This is what the people are more concerned about. Only by staying informed of the content and progress of the Japan-Philippines talks can we make the best response. However, it is essential to express our position and attitude externally."
When asked by reporters about his views on opinion polls regarding his potential candidacy for Taichung City Mayor, Chiang said, "I respect all polls. I am currently the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan and a representative of the people. I will continue to put the people first, speak for the people, seek advice from the grassroots, engage in dialogue with citizens, and hope to realize the vision of building Taichung into a 'flagship city.'" (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150604