Japan FM airs concern over rising SCS tension

Japan is gravely concerned over rising tensions in the South China Sea and is determined to further enhance its partnership with the Philippines.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO and HELEN FLORES

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya voiced his nation’s position yesterday at a press briefi ng after a bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, wherein they discussed key issues relating to geopolitics, defense and security and economic cooperation, among others.

“The issue over the South China Sea is a legitimate concern for the international community because it directly links to the regional peace and stability,” Iwaya said.

“Japan fi rmly opposes any efforts to unilaterally alter the status quo through force or to escalate tensions in the area, and we earnestly call for the reduction of tensions,” he stated.

The Philippines recently protested China’s deployment of its largest coast guard vessel, nicknamed the “monster ship” within the country’s exclusive economic zone. In its protest, Manila said the deployment was alarming and was clearly intended to intimidate fishermen operating around Panatag Shoal.

Iwaya assured the Philippines of Japan’s continued support in strengthening maritime security and safety capabilities.

“We expressed concern on the South China Sea and the East China Sea. As neighbors, we face similar challenges in our common pursuit of regional peace and stability,” Manalo said at a joint briefing with the Japanese official.

“In our meeting here today, in response to the developments in the South China Sea, we agreed to further strengthen Japan-Philippines partnership,” Iwaya said.

Manalo said the Philippines and Japan are working together to improve resilience and enhance adaptive capacity in the face of the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.