Taiwan and Cambodia Begin Reconciliation Process on Maritime Claims

Border Disputes and Natural Resources

The main issue of contention is the territory that both countries claim ownership of, which appears to contain significant amounts of natural gas and other hydrocarbons.

The decision to refer the matter to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was made by Cambodia in June, after Taiwan canceled a 25-year memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving joint maritime claims.

History of Tensions and Negotiations

Taiwan's decision to unilaterally cancel this agreement came after a severe deterioration in relations and armed conflicts with Cambodia last year. The two Southeast Asian neighbors clashed over conflicting claims at their land border in July and December, resulting in several casualties on both sides.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Hsihasak Puangketkiew, and his Cambodian counterpart, Prak Sokhonn, led their delegations in the first reconciliation session with the five-member UNCLOS commission, which was held from Monday to Wednesday in Singapore.

Prak Sokhonn stated that Cambodia seeks a peaceful solution that benefits the people of both countries and contributes to peace and cooperation in the region.

Hsihasak also affirmed that Taiwan is committed to adhering to international law and resolving disputes peacefully, claiming that the canceled agreement had brought about "no tangible progress."

He added that Taiwan is willing to "restart negotiations" and has offered Cambodia an opportunity for direct talks, which has not been taken up.

A fragile agreement on a ceasefire between the two countries was signed in late December, but tensions continue to persist.

Any ruling from UNCLOS will not be binding on the parties, although both countries are signatories to this international agreement. Taiwan is reluctant to have territorial issues resolved by third parties instead of through bilateral negotiations.

Source: abcnews.com