Taiwan has urged Japan and the Philippines to consider its maritime rights as the two countries prepare to negotiate their maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). This appeal comes in response to an announcement that Japan and the Philippines will soon discuss defining their maritime borders and continental shelf claims in line with international law. Analysts have highlighted that these proposed zones might encroach upon areas claimed by Taiwan.
Taiwanese officials have received assurances from both Japan and the Philippines that any future agreements will not impose legal obligations on third parties and will adhere to established international legal standards. Taiwan remains committed to engaging with both nations to protect its maritime interests, which include fishing rights and resource access in the affected regions. Existing agreements with Japan and the Philippines, they noted, will remain in force.
This development unfolds amid increasing regional tensions, particularly after China asserted claims over waters to the east of Taiwan and initiated coast guard patrols in the region. Taiwan has rebuffed these claims, maintaining its stance on sovereignty and its maritime jurisdiction.
Philippine officials have clarified that formal negotiations with Japan have yet to commence and emphasized that it is premature to predict the implications any future agreements might have on fishing rights or territorial claims.