Metro Manila, Philippines – Japan has expressed serious concerns over rising tensions in the South China Sea and is urging all parties to exercise restraint.
This statement came after a bilateral meeting between Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
“I am gravely concerned that actions heightening tensions in the South China Sea are being repeated,” Iwaya said.
He said the maritime issue is a matter of legitimate concern for the international community.
“It directly links to regional peace and stability. Japan strongly opposes any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo by force or to escalate tensions,” he added.
Iwaya also reaffirmed Japan’s support for the Philippine position, which is based on international law, the rules-based international order, and the 2016 arbitral award.
“In our meeting today, in response to developments in the South China Sea, we agreed to further strengthen the Philippine-Japan partnership, particularly in continuing our assistance to the Philippines under the OSA (Official Security Assistance) to enhance maritime safety capabilities,” Iwaya said.
The Japanese minister also noted that he and Manalo discussed the importance of collaborating with like-minded countries, including the United States, to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Manalo noted the negative impact of unilateral actions that undermine the rule of law in both the East and South China Seas. Japan has a similar territorial conflict with China in the East China Sea.
He added that the Philippines remains open to working with more countries that share the same views on the Indo-Pacific region.
“It’s meant to be inclusive. In other words, all our efforts are open to any like-minded countries that share our commitment to the rule of law,” Manalo said.
