The South China Sea (SCS) issue is directly related to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, and is a legitimate concern of the international community, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said.
In a press briefing Monday evening, the diplomat also affirmed Japan’s solidarity with the Philippines in promoting the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“The Philippines is an important strategic partner of Japan for peace and stability in the region, as it is a maritime nation and a neighbor that shares sea lanes with Japan and faces similar strategic challenges at sea,” Endo said.
He went on, “We recognize that the principles of freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and respect for sovereignty are essential to the continued prosperity and security of our peoples.”
In support of this shared vision, Japan has so far taken part in eight maritime cooperative activities (MCAs) conducted within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“A few days ago, in Japan, Coast Guard agencies from Japan, the Philippines and the United States conducted a trilateral exercise. Japan will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the Philippines and the United States, in order to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law.” Endo said.
He also emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, while steadily strengthening maritime security capabilities in the region.
Coast Guards of Japan, United States and Philippine on late June Friday also held joint exercises in Japan for the first time.
The drill, which took place in Kagoshima Bay in southwestern Japan, simulated a scenario in which a US cargo ship and a Philippine fishing boat collided in international waters south of Japan’s Kyushu southwestern region, resulting in a fire and crew members falling into the sea.