MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for the de-escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea after the string of incidents that happened in one week.
The Japanese ministry expressed “serious concern” over the repeated actions made by China to Philippine-flagged vessels in the disputed waters and is urging Beijing to de-escalate tensions in the area.
“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, including obstruction of freedom of navigation and overflight,” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In the past weeks, several maritime incidents have been recorded in the area. On Sunday, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel rammed BFAR ship BRP Datu Sanday while en route to resupply Filipino sailors with medical, food, and fuel supplies in Sabina Shoal.
Last week, the BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) were subjected to ramming by the Chinese Coast Guard, and on August 8, Chinese authorities fired eight rounds of flares at a Philippine Air Force plane conducting an aerial patrol in Scarborough Shoal.
According to Japan, the West Philippine Sea dispute is “directly related” to peace and stability in the region.
He likewise said that the issue, mainly about Chinese attacks, is a “legitimate concern of the international community” which is why it is opposed to China’s “dangerous and coercive” use of vessels including maritime militia and aircraft.
The ministry likewise lauded the Philippine government for complying with the arbitral tribunal award in the dispute between the country and the People’s Republic of China.
It said that the Hague ruling is final and parties involved in the dispute should comply with the award to lead “peaceful settlements of disputes” in the West Philippine Sea.
”The arbitral award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the ministry said.
Aside from Japan, United States and European Union ambassadors have expressed their support for the Philippines after a series of maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea.
