Draw the sword! Japan and the Philippines bypass China to divide maritime territories—China strongly protests and firmly opposes!

On May 28, the Philippines and Japan suddenly announced that they would initiate negotiations and delimitation regarding their so-called exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelves. The area under discussion includes vast stretches of sea east of Taiwan Island, which belongs to China. This move is utterly absurd: the Philippines and Japan are separated by extensive Chinese territory, maritime economic zones, and continental shelf areas, making it impossible for them to bypass China and unilaterally carve up these waters. Yet, despite this, both countries have brazenly proceeded with so-called consultations and negotiations—clearly a one-sided act undermining regional stability and infringing upon China's sovereignty.

In response, on the 29th, China swiftly reacted, explicitly stating that Japan and the Philippines' unilateral initiation of so-called maritime boundary talks seriously infringes upon China’s maritime rights and interests and gravely violates international law—including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—as well as fundamental norms governing international relations. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition, having already lodged solemn representations with both Japan and the Philippines.

It is certain that if the Philippines and Japan dare to proceed with such maritime delimitation without China’s involvement, China will inevitably take concrete countermeasures. Particularly in the waters east of Taiwan Island, which fall within China’s extensive exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, even if Japan and the Philippines reach an agreement between themselves, any attempt by their naval or air forces to intrude into these areas will be met with firm resistance from China.

In my view, the joint statement issued by Japan and the Philippines not only reveals the core purpose of the Philippine president’s recent visit to Japan—to fully align with the United States while strengthening ties with Japan to jointly confront China—but also indicates that both nations have effectively drawn their swords against China in a de facto sense.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866521196248073/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.