Philippines to Hold Maritime Border Talks With Japan Despite Chinese Objections
Manila’s foreign affairs secretary said the Philippines will proceed with delimitation talks despite Beijing’s response to the Japan-Philippines agreement.
japantimes.co.jpThe Philippines intends to pursue talks on maritime borders with Japan, Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Manila’s foreign affairs secretary, said Wednesday. Lazaro made the statement during a forum in Tokyo organized by Nikkei.
“There seem to be certain reactions from some of our friends, but we are of the view that we have to proceed with the delimitation talks with Japan,” she said. China said it launched a special maritime operation east of Taiwan over the weekend. Beijing ramped up its response to a recent agreement between Japan and the Philippines to negotiate maritime borders in the area and deepen defense cooperation.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory. It has maritime disputes with Tokyo and Manila in the East China Sea and South China Sea. A China Coast Guard ship was observed on the horizon through a telescopic view in Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea on Feb.
21, according to Reuters.
