NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — On Saturday, Japan’s and the Philippines’ foreign and defense ministers expressed “severe worry” about the situation in the East and South China Seas, where China and other littoral governments are engaged in a maritime conflict.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi all “strongly opposed” actions that could escalate tensions in the region and agreed to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award and international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Japan agreed with the Philippines’ long-standing objections to illegal maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities, and the threat or use of force in the South China Sea (SCS), and expressed its support for the July 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea,” according to a joint statement released after the two countries’ 2+2 talks.

Manila then reiterated that the South China Sea arbitral ruling is final and legally binding.

China, the Philippines, and other coastal governments are embroiled in a conflict over the South China Sea, with Beijing claiming roughly 80% of the crucial water based on “historic rights.”

Meanwhile, Tokyo and Beijing are engaged in a territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea (ECS).

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, and they called for a “rules-based” approach to resolving competing claims in the area that adhered to international law.

The ministers also emphasized the importance of Manila and Tokyo’s treaty relationship with the US, stating that Washington DC’s robust presence helps to maintain regional stability.

The four officials demanded that a South China Sea Code of Conduct be finalized as soon as possible, in accordance with UNCLOS and “without prejudice to the legitimate rights of all stakeholders in the South China Sea.”

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