By Marinel E. Peroy
Amid the rising tensions in the South China Sea, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo said Japan and the Philippines continue to “stand united in advancing the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
At a media reception on the 71st anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), he shared Japan’s strategic positioning, commitment to international law, and fostered partnership with the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region.
Endo also expressed that the issue concerning the South China Sea is “related to the peace and stability of the region and a legitimate concern in the international community.”
On the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) action against vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Bajo Masinloc, he said:
“We are concerned Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea. We are concerned about the repeated harassment and actions involving the use of water cannons. We would like to stress the importance of respecting the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.”
The Philippines’ National Maritime Council also issued a statement:
“On 20 June, BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit (MMOV 3006) was hit with a water cannon by CCG vessel 4203 while delivering essential supplies to Filipino fisherfolk. This act was followed by shadowing and unsafe maneuvers by Chinese militia vessels and PLA Navy ships within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone… We call on China to cease unlawful actions, act with restraint, and adhere to international law to maintain regional peace and stability.”
Likewise, the United States Embassy in the Philippines also issued a statement:
“The United States stands with the Philippines in upholding freedom of navigation and condemning the China Coast Guard’s dangerous actions that disrupted a lawful Philippine mission to provide supplies to fisherfolk within the Philippine EEZ. #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific”
Japan and the Philippines have strong partnerships for the Indo-Pacific through principles of freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and respect for sovereignty for people’s prosperity and security.
“In pursuit of this shared vision, Japan has participated in maritime cooperative activities in the waters surrounding the Philippines—eight times to date,” the Japanese ambassador said, adding that coast guard agencies from Japan, the Philippines, and the US recently conducted their trilateral exercise.
“At the same time, I would like to stress the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, while also working to steadily strengthen maritime security capabilities in the region,” he said.
The ambassador said that Japan will continue cooperating with the international community (including PH and the US) “to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law.”
