MOFA: Japan-Philippines EEZ Talks Do Not Affect Taiwan's Sovereignty; No Request to Join Talks

(Central News Agency, Taipei, 5th) In response to the recent announcement by Japan and the Philippines to initiate negotiations on the delimitation of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and continental shelves, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated today that the delimitation negotiations and their results will not affect Taiwan's sovereign rights under international law and the law of the sea, nor will they affect the implementation of existing bilateral fishery agreements between Taiwan and Japan or Taiwan and the Philippines. MOFA also clarified that Taiwan has not requested to join the bilateral delimitation negotiations between Japan and the Philippines.

In a press release issued in the evening, MOFA stated that the future delimitation negotiations between Japan and the Philippines and their outcomes will not affect Taiwan's sovereign rights under international law and the law of the sea, nor will they affect the implementation of existing bilateral fishery agreements between Taiwan and Japan or Taiwan and the Philippines. This has not only been publicly confirmed by the relevant countries but is also based on the legal principle under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and international judicial precedents that bilateral treaties or agreements are only binding on the contracting parties.

MOFA stated that it has instructed relevant overseas offices to closely monitor the issues and progress related to the negotiations and has expressed Taiwan's concerns through channels to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty and sovereign rights in its surrounding waters. It is understood that there is currently no specific timeline for the negotiations between Japan and the Philippines.

MOFA explained that some media outlets and political figures have cited media reports stating that "Japan rejected Taiwan's request for delimitation negotiations" to comment on MOFA's response. MOFA solemnly clarified that Taiwan has not requested to join the delimitation negotiations between Japan and the Philippines, and the content or headlines of the relevant reports are clearly inconsistent with the facts.

MOFA called on all parties to view the relevant issues rationally and avoid misunderstandings caused by one-sided information. Regarding China's continued use of legal,舆论 (public opinion), and maritime law enforcement measures in recent years to expand its maritime claims and undermine regional stability, the Taiwan government firmly opposes this and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

MOFA mentioned that it will closely monitor the development of the situation, continue to cooperate closely with relevant ministries, maintain close communication with Japan and the Philippines through existing bilateral mechanisms and dialogue channels, and take concrete actions to ensure Taiwan's maritime rights and the rights of fishermen to operate with peace of mind. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) 1150605