Taiwan has urged Japan and the Philippines to ensure that their discussions on maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) do not infringe upon Taiwan’s rights in the surrounding waters. This appeal comes in the wake of a recent announcement by Japan and the Philippines about their plans to negotiate maritime boundaries and continental shelf claims in line with international law. Analysts have observed that some of the proposed zones could overlap with areas claimed by Taiwan.
Taiwanese officials have received assurances from both Japan and the Philippines that any agreements reached will not be legally binding on third parties and will adhere to established international legal norms. Taiwan’s government has expressed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with the two countries to protect its maritime interests, which include fishing rights and access to resources in the region. They also emphasized that current agreements with Japan and the Philippines will remain in place.
The issue arises amid broader regional tensions following China’s assertion of claims over waters east of Taiwan, which has included conducting coast guard patrols in the area. Taiwan has rejected these claims and has reiterated its stance on sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction.
Officials from the Philippines have noted that formal negotiations have not yet commenced, and they emphasized that it is premature to predict the impact of any potential agreements on fishing rights or territorial claims.