Japan reiterated its support for the 2016 Arbitral Award as this is vital for the region, while it has announced new efforts to elevate its defense collaboration, expand economic cooperation and deepen health collaboration with the United States and the Republic of South Korea.
“At historic (Japan, USA, South Korea) summit, leaders strongly oppose China’s offensive acts of unlawful maritime claims in the SCS, in particular, dangerous use of coast guard, maritime militia vessels and coercive activities. Compliance with 2016 Arbitral Award and UNCLOS are vital for the region,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Japanese envoy echoed a part of the statement as the three countries shared concerns about what it called China’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.
“In particular, we steadfastly oppose the militarization of reclaimed features; the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels; and coercive activities,” the statement said.
Japan was among the nations that called out the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive actions, such as the use of water cannon and shadowing against Philippine boats en route to resupply the beached BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal on Aug. 5.
“We reiterate our firm commitment to international law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The July 2016 award in the South China Sea arbitration sets out the legal basis for the peaceful resolution of maritime conflicts between the parties to that proceeding,” the statement added.
US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol met at Camp David US military base in Maryland on Aug. 18 to elevate their trilateral security and defense cooperation, economic partnerships and health collaboration.
