Executive Yuan: Japan-Philippines EEZ talks must not affect Taiwan's rights

(Central News Agency, reporters Lai Yu-jen and Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, June 4) Japan and the Philippines will launch negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf maritime boundaries. China has publicly stated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, claiming that the actions of Japan and the Philippines infringe upon China's maritime rights and interests. The Executive Yuan stated today that the Japan-Philippines negotiations must not affect Taiwan's rights and interests, and Taiwan will continue to communicate with both parties. It also emphasized that China should not use this opportunity to militarize Taiwan's eastern waters as internal seas.

Japan and the Philippines recently agreed to launch negotiations on the delimitation of their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf boundaries. As the relevant waters highly overlap with Taiwan's exclusive economic zone, this has drawn attention. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly stated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, claiming that the actions of Japan and the Philippines have infringed upon China's maritime rights and interests.

Regarding the launch of EEZ negotiations between Japan and the Philippines, there are concerns that Taiwan's rights and interests may be harmed. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Lee Hui-chih stated at a press conference following the Executive Yuan meeting today that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly explained that the agreement between Japan and the Philippines does not involve third parties. Taiwan has demanded that both parties must not harm Taiwan's interests in any agreement, and Taiwan will continue to communicate with them.

Regarding China's statements on this issue, Lee Hui-chih emphasized that China should not use this opportunity to militarize Taiwan's eastern waters as internal seas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that Japan and the Philippines issued a joint statement after their summit on May 28, announcing their decision to launch negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf maritime boundaries, subject to compliance with relevant international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the Philippines and Japan are resolving maritime issues through peaceful dialogue and in accordance with international legal norms, which is consistent with Taiwan's stance. It also looks forward to all three parties making concrete contributions to regional peace, stability, and the protection of the marine ecology. (Editor: Su Zongzhi) 1150604