Japan-Philippines EEZ Delimitation Talks: Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Says No Binding Effect on Third Parties

(Central News Agency, reporter Yang Yaoru, Taipei, June 8) As Japan and the Philippines prepare to launch negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf boundaries, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association stated today that any boundary delimitation agreement would only apply to the rights and obligations of the signatory states, Japan and the Philippines, and would not be legally binding on third parties.

Japan and the Philippines recently announced the start of negotiations to delimit their EEZ and continental shelf maritime boundaries. External observers have questioned whether the delimitation area, located in waters east of Taiwan, could affect Taiwan's economic maritime rights and interests.

In a written response to a Central News Agency inquiry, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association said, "It is understood that if Japan and the Philippines reach an agreement on maritime boundary delimitation, that boundary delimitation agreement would only apply to the rights and obligations of the signatory states, Japan and the Philippines, and would not be legally binding on third parties. Therefore, it is considered to pose no problem under international law."

The association added, "It is also understood that Japan views this negotiation as a good example of peacefully resolving disputes based on international law under the framework of a free and open Indo-Pacific." (Editor: Lin Xingmeng) 1150608