China condemns Japan and Philippines over boundary talks

China criticized Japan and the Philippines for unilaterally announcing negotiations to delimit maritime borders, considering that these negotiations violate international law and constitute an encroachment on its maritime rights. China affirmed that the areas in question fall within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and that the law enforcement activities it conducts in those waters are legal and necessary to protect its sovereignty. Beijing rejected the harassment by allies and called for respecting Chinese sovereignty in the region.