China calls Japan-Philippines sea border talks 'illegal'

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BEIJING: China has strongly condemned maritime border negotiations between Japan and the Philippines, labeling the discussions completely ‘illegal.’ Beijing reiterated its firm stance by asserting exclusive economic rights and authority over the strategic waters located to the east of Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning officially conveyed the government's strong dissatisfaction during a regular press briefing, confirming that Beijing has lodged formal diplomatic protests with both Tokyo and Manila.

The sharp rebuke highlights intensifying regional friction as the Philippines and Japan form closer security ties to counter expansive Chinese maritime claims.

Tensions have risen steadily in the region, marked by regular, dangerous standoffs between Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels in the East China Sea.

Concurrently, Beijing continues to deploy extensive military and coast guard forces throughout the South China Sea to systematically block the Philippines from accessing contested reefs and islands.