China on Friday voiced strong opposition to the planned maritime boundary negotiations between Japan and the Philippines, describing the move as “illegal” while reiterating its claims over waters located east of Taiwan.
The reaction came a day after Japan and the Philippines announced that they would begin formal discussions on delimiting maritime boundaries covering parts of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.
The agreement was reached during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Tokyo, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.
Responding to questions during a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing rejected the planned negotiations and insisted that China holds sovereign rights over the disputed waters.
“中国对此表示强烈 dissatisfaction (dissatisfaction) 并在 firmly opposed (firmly opposed) to this,” Mao said.
“China solemnly declares that the so-called delimitation negotiations between Japan and the Philippines are entirely illegal and invalid,” she added.
Mao also disclosed that Beijing had already “lodged solemn representations” with both Tokyo and Manila over the matter.
The Philippines and Japan have strengthened their ties in recent years amid growing concerns over China’s maritime activities and territorial claims in regional waters.
Japan and China continue to face disputes in the East China Sea, where vessels from both countries frequently engage in tense encounters near contested areas.
Meanwhile, tensions between Beijing and Manila have also intensified in the South China Sea, where Chinese coast guard and naval ships have repeatedly confronted Philippine vessels near disputed reefs and islands that are considered strategically important.