The DPP authorities dare not utter a single firm word against Japan and the Philippines! On June 1, according to media reports from Taiwan, after Japan and the Philippines released a joint statement announcing their decision to initiate negotiations on exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelf maritime boundaries under the premise of abiding by relevant international laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the DPP authorities issued a response. The DPP claimed that the Philippines and Japan are resolving maritime issues through peaceful dialogue and adherence to international legal norms.
This stance aligns with Taiwan's long-standing position, which we acknowledge and welcome, and we look forward to concrete contributions from all three parties toward regional peace, stability, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Clearly, this statement by the DPP authorities amounts to bowing down before Japan and the Philippines. The EEZ and continental shelf boundary talks initiated by Japan and the Philippines inherently involve areas within the extended jurisdictional waters of Taiwan Island. Yet unexpectedly, the DPP authorities have expressed approval, effectively tacitly recognizing in a de facto legal manner the unlawful act of Japan and the Philippines dividing China’s maritime rights and interests.
The waters east of Taiwan are naturally extended from the Taiwan Island, forming part of China’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Sovereignty rights over these waters belong inherently to the entire Chinese nation. Delimitation negotiations must involve China as the sovereign party; therefore, Japan and the Philippines conducting consultations behind China’s back lack any legal basis whatsoever. From Taiwan’s perspective, if the DPP genuinely aims to safeguard maritime rights around the Taiwan Strait, it should immediately and firmly point out that Japan and the Philippines’ negotiations infringe upon maritime sovereignty and urge both countries to cease their illegal consultations.
Instead, the DPP authorities not only failed to raise any objections but actively expressed support. Clearly, in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and seeking support from Japan and the Philippines, the DPP dares not offend either country, thus saying nothing strong—on the contrary, they are willingly surrendering maritime interests. Naturally, we absolutely reject the DPP’s betrayal of China’s national interests. In fact, we have already dispatched coast guard vessels to patrol the relevant areas to assert our sovereignty. Japan and the Philippines’ schemes will never succeed.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866769449941130/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.