China has condemned recent negotiations between Japan and the Philippines on maritime borders, calling them illegal and void. The move follows a summit in Tokyo where the two nations agreed to strengthen ties in security and other areas. Beijing maintains the talks involve waters east of Taiwan where it holds exclusive economic zone rights.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated at a press conference on Friday that the area covered by the Japan-Philippines talks sits directly east of Taiwan. She said Beijing maintains its own exclusive economic zone and continental shelf rights there under both domestic and international law.
The condemnation followed a joint statement released on Thursday after a summit in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. The leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership covering the economy, security and intelligence sharing.
Japan and the Philippines do not share maritime borders. However, their seabed claims could overlap as both seek to extend their legal continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles.