China responds to Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation talks

Recently, Japan and the Philippines issued a joint statement announcing the start of talks on the delimitation of their so-called exclusive economic zones and continental shelves, a move that seriously infringes upon China's maritime rights and interests.

On May 29, China's Foreign Ministry firmly stated that the so-called delimitation talks are completely illegal, null and void.

On June 1, the China Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols in accordance with the law in the waters east of China's Taiwan island, a necessary operation in response to the so-called maritime delimitation talks between Japan and the Philippines.

We spoke with Yang Xiao, a research fellow at the Institute of Peaceful Development, CASS. Here are the key takeaways from the interview.

·When they are pushing forward maritime delimitation, actually, they're talking about the waters east of China's Taiwan island.

·China may establish a more regular presence in the relevant waters. But such moves would be reactive rather than aggressive, because it is Japan and the Philippines that have changed the status quo.

·China will be more resolute in safeguarding its national interests and will do more to strengthen its administration of the waters surrounding Taiwan.