By Monsi A. Serrano
“The world must not look away. The rule of law in the South China Sea is a test of our collective will.”
This was the powerful call to action from Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo during the high-level commemoration of the 9th anniversary of the Philippines’ 2016 Arbitral Victory, where diplomats, defense officials, policy experts, and members of the media gathered to reaffirm support for a rules-based international order.
Ambassador Endo urged the international community to stand in solidarity with the Philippines and all responsible nations in defending freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and international law.
“Japan calls on all responsible nations to stand together in defending freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a rules-based international order,” he said, ending his remarks with: “Mabuhay ang kapayapaan sa karagatan ng Indo-Pacific (Long live peace in the waters of the Indo-Pacific)!”
At the heart of his speech was the strategic alliance between Japan and the Philippines, which he described as “natural strategic partners.” The Japanese envoy stressed that their cooperation has become “more important than ever,” echoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s remarks during his visit to Manila in April 2025.
Ambassador Endo expressed deep concern over China’s ongoing violations of international law, including the harassment of Filipino vessels, militarization of artificial islands, and obstruction of lawful maritime operations within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“The rule of law at sea is one of the most enduring achievements of the international community. Yet, today, it is under siege. China’s continued unilateral and coercive actions not only defy the 2016 Arbitral Award, but they also challenge the peace, security, and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The 2016 Arbitral Award, issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), invalidated China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claims over the South China Sea. Japan has consistently supported the ruling and has voiced alarm over China’s destabilizing maneuvers.
“Provocations and coercion in the South China Sea are an affront to the rule of law, an insult to regional dialogue, and a grave threat to peace. We strongly oppose any attempt to change the status quo through force or intimidation,” Ambassador Endo declared.
He commended the Philippines for its “courage, clarity, and consistency” in upholding the ruling and pursuing peaceful resolution through international law.
“The arbitral victory is not just a triumph for one nation, but a precedent for all. Arbitrary interpretations of UNCLOS—like the ‘nine-dash line’—have no legal merit and no place in the international order,” he said, citing the principled leadership of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Undersecretary Lazaro.
Ambassador Endo also highlighted the fast-growing defense and maritime cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. This includes the ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), joint exercises such as Balikatan, capacity-building for the Philippine Coast Guard, and participation in Maritime Cooperative Activities, including the first-ever trilateral coast guard drill with the Philippines and the United States.
“The oceans are shared. Disorder in one corner endangers all. The Philippines and Japan are not merely partners in principle. We are partners in action—defending peace, sovereignty, and international law,” he said.
