China ramps up warning to Japan, Philippines over maritime talks

China has escalated its pressure on Japan and the Philippines by issuing a legal warning against their planned maritime border talks. The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources stated that the discussions constitute an "internationally wrongful act" and urged the two nations to engage in talks with Beijing instead.

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constitute an internationally wrongful act

A legal opinion released on July 2 by the China Institute for Marine Affairs, under the ministry, asserted that the talks are unlawful because they were initiated "without consultation with China." The report also cautioned external powers against assisting or recognizing the negotiations, warning of potential "political risks."

The move signals Beijing's increasing displeasure with Manila and Tokyo's decision to discuss maritime borders in waters east of Taiwan. China has responded by increasing patrols with its Coast Guard vessels and deploying survey ships to map the seabed in the area. The legal opinion claims China's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf extend into this region, asserting that its territory includes Taiwan.

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are initiated “without consultation with China”

This assertion is rejected by Taipei, which maintains Taiwan's de facto independence. The Chinese legal opinion further stated that the Japan-Philippine talks "in essence ignored the fact that Taiwan and its subordinate islands belong to China," thereby infringing upon China's territorial sovereignty and violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This warning comes after recent remarks by Japanese and Philippine leaders suggesting their nations could be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan, remarks that have displeased Beijing. The two countries have also deepened their defense ties, agreeing in May to elevate their relationship and initiate defense talks.

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in essence ignored the fact that Taiwan and its subordinate islands belong to China