TOKYO—President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday night secured Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s support for a peaceful resolution of the six-nation dispute over the potentially oil-rich Spratly islands.
The maritime issue in the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, ranked high in the agenda of the two leaders’ meeting that sought to elevate their country’s bilateral relations to a more meaningful “strategic partnership.â€
In a joint statement, Mr. Aquino and Noda “confirmed that the South China Sea is vital, as it connects the world and the Asia Pacific region, and that peace and stability therein is of common interest to the international community.â€
The President reiterated the Philippines’ “commitment to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes over the South China Sea.â€
He also emphasized the importance of “a rules-based regime for addressing and resolving disputes and promoting cooperation.â€
Following the meeting, the President and Noda “confirmed that freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and compliance with established international law including the UNCLOS and the peaceful settlement of disputes serve the interests of the two countries and the whole region.†UNCLOS refers to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“They shared the recognition that these same interests should also be advanced and protected in the South China Sea,†according to the statement.
Though not a claimant to the Spratlys islands, Japan came into the picture, saying vessels that deliver oil it imports from the Middle East pass by that vital sea lane.
Japan promised to assist the Philippine Coast Guard so it could better patrol the country’s vast coast line. It will dispatch patrol vessels of the Japan Coast Guard to train its Filipino counterparts. Both countries also agreed to “promote exchanges and cooperation between their defense authorities.â€
Credits to Philippine Daily Inquirer
