Japan-Philippines' so-called maritime boundary delimitation talks illegal: spokeswoman

The so-called maritime boundary delimitation talks between Japan and the Philippines are illegal, null and void, and infringes on China's maritime rights, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

During the Philippine president's visit to Japan, the two sides issued a joint statement on Thursday announcing the launch of talks on the so-called delimitation of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.

In response to an inquiry regarding the issue, Mao said that China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the move.

"The area the two countries announced they will delimit is east of China's Taiwan island. According to China's domestic law and international law including UNCLOS, China has exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in this area. Japan and the Philippines' so-called maritime delimitation talks constitute a severe violation of China's maritime rights and interests, UNCLOS and other international law and basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes that and has lodged serious protests with both countries," Mao said.

"The so-called delimitation talks are completely illegal, null and void, and will have no effect on China's claims to rights in the area east of the Taiwan island or exercise of China's lawful rights. China urges Japan and the Philippines to immediately stop any violation of China's maritime rights and interests and take concrete actions to uphold regional peace and stability," Mao said.

Japan-Philippines' so-called maritime boundary delimitation talks illegal: spokeswoman

The Heritage Guardian, a China Media Group (CMG) documentary featuring President Xi Jinping's deep concern for the inheritance and development of culture, began airing along with other two documentaries made by the group on mainstream media outlets in Laos on Monday.

Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos, sent a congratulatory letter on the documentaries' airing .

The documentaries reflect the importance that Xi places on cultural heritage protection, as well as Xi's far-sighted vision in governance and profound patriotism, said Thongloun in the letter, noting that the documentaries provide examples for Laos to carry forward its unique national culture while pursuing economic and social development.

CMG and the publicity department of the LPRP Central Committee held a broadcast launch event in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on Tuesday.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, and is the China-Laos Friendship Year.

Chinese documentary "The Heritage Guardian" airs in Laos