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A Chinese think tank has released a legal opinion condemning the decision of Japan and the Philippines to initiate maritime delimitation talks related to the waters east of China's Taiwan Island, saying that the move "constitutes an internationally wrongful act" because it bypasses China, which is a direct stakeholder.

中国一家智库发布法律意见书，谴责日本与菲律宾就中国台湾岛以东海域启动海域划界谈判的决定，称该举动“构成国际不法行为”，因为此举绕开了作为直接利益相关方的中国。

The legal opinion, released by the Beijing-based China Institute for Marine Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources, said that Japan and the Philippines announced the talks without consultation with China and in disregard of the region's specific geographical circumstances. The move violates the principles of sovereign equality, good faith, cooperation and self-restraint under international law, it said.

这份由自然资源部下属、设于北京的中国海洋发展研究中心发布的法律意见书指出，日菲两国未与中国协商便宣布启动谈判，且无视该区域特殊地理状况。意见书表示，该行为违反国际法项下主权平等、善意、合作与克制原则。

English: The Chinese Foreign Ministry had condemned the move shortly after Japan and the Philippines announced the proposed talks on May 28 during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's visit to Japan.

5月28日菲律宾总统小费迪南德·马科斯访日期间，日菲对外公布拟开展上述谈判，中国外交部随即第一时间对此予以谴责。

Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the move severely violates China's maritime rights and interests and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. She added that China has lodged solemn representations with both countries.

外交部发言人毛宁表示，该行为严重侵犯中国海洋权益，违反《联合国海洋法公约》。她补充道，中方已分别向日、菲两国提出严正交涉。

Relevant Chinese authorities have voiced firm opposition to the proposed talks, with the China Coast Guard and other maritime bodies conducting patrols in waters east of Taiwan Island in recent days.

中国相关部门已明确表态坚决反对此次拟议谈判；近日，中国海警及其他涉海机构持续在台湾岛以东海域开展巡航执法。

Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the proposed delimitation negotiations are "completely illegal, null and void", adding that patrols by China Coast Guard in relevant waters are a lawful exercise of jurisdiction.

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