JUNE 5 (Eagle News) — The Japanese government shared the Philippines’ serious concern over China’s ongoing massive reclamation activities in the disputed West Philippine Sea, as no less than Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Japan opposes any attempt of China’s further reclamation in the disputed waters.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said this on June 4, Thursday, following his summit meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo, Japan.
Prime Minister Abe said he and President Aquino had a “thorough discussion” on peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region amid China’s continuing aggression in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
“We once again confirm that we share serious concern about the large-scale land reclamation, and that we oppose any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo,” Prime Minister Abe said in his statement.
“We also agreed to thoroughly uphold the principle of the rule of law, and I once again conveyed our support for the utilization of the arbitration procedures by the Philippines,” he added.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance further the strategic partnership between their countries with shared principles and goals.
“For the last 70 years after the war, through our relentless efforts, Japan and the Philippines have built an extremely friendly relationship. Today, we are strategic partners, contributing greatly to the peace and prosperity of the region,” Prime Minister Abe noted.
He mentioned that the Philippines and Japan agreed on the promotion of cooperation in defense equipment and technology, with the latter extending its assistance to further enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard.
President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe have agreed to cooperate further to ensure regional, as well as global, security.
“We reviewed the security challenges that confront both our nations, and pledged to cooperate in advancing our shared advocacy for members of the international community to act responsibly,” President Aquino said in his message during the summit meeting with Prime Minister Abe, held at the Akasaka State Guest House.
“We believe this can be done through finding just and peaceful solutions to our territorial disputes and maritime concerns by upholding the rule of law, towards creating a secure and stable environment that serves as the bedrock of our collective progress.”
After 59 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, the President said both countries see a bond that transcends diplomacy.
The Philippines and Japan will mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, and both leaders have said that they are looking forward to deepening these relations further to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region and the international community. (with reports from PND)
