The Philippines intends to pursue talks on maritime borders with Japan despite opposition from Beijing, according to Manila¡¯s Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

¡°There seem to be certain reactions from some of our friends, but we are of the view that we have to proceed with the delimitation talks with Japan,¡± Lazaro said on Wednesday during a forum in Tokyo organized by Nikkei.

China over the weekend said it launched a special maritime operation east of Taiwan as Beijing ramped up its response to a recent agreement between Japan and the Philippines to negotiate maritime borders in the area and deepen defense cooperation.