China Reacts to Japan-Philippines EEZ Talks; Experts Urge Taiwan to Assert Maritime Rights

After Japan and the Philippines announced the start of negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf boundaries following their May 28 summit, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong opposition. The China Coast Guard subsequently announced that it had conducted 'law enforcement patrols' in waters east of Taiwan. Chieh Chung, an assistant professor at Tamkang University, analyzed that Beijing is using this incident to strengthen its legal warfare against Taiwan, asserting sovereignty and jurisdiction. Experts like Su Tzu-yun from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research noted that Beijing is attempting to deny the claims of Japan and the Philippines while encroaching on Taiwan's jurisdiction. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that since the negotiation area overlaps with Taiwan's EEZ, it will urge Japan and the Philippines to consult with Taiwan to ensure its rights and interests are not compromised.