MANILA – More countries expressed their condemnation on what they call “dangerous maneuvers” by the China Coast Guard to Philippine resupply mission boats near Ayungin Shoal on Sunday.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko conveyed Japan’s “concern” and “alarm” after the collision between the Chinese and Philippine vessels.
“Japan strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion”, Koshikawa posted, adding that Japan “stands with and by the Philippines’ position in upholding maritime order based on the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and 2016 Arbitral Award.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) also released a statement expressing serious concern for actions which it believes increased regional tensions including “dangerous action” that caused the collision last October 22.
It continues by saying that Japan believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community, including Japan.
The statement adds that the Government of Japan “concurs with the Philippines’ long-standing objections to unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities and threat or use of force in the South China Sea.”
Japan expresses its appreciation to the Government of the Philippines for having “consistently complied with the Arbitral Tribunal’s award” in regards to the disputes between the Philippines and China regarding the South China Sea and reiterated that it will continue to “consistently advocate” in upholding the “rule of law at sea” and to emphasize the importance of efforts towards a peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law.
France also expressed deep concern regarding the dangerous maneuvers observed in the South China Sea and calls for “respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law”, as well as its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on July 12, 2016.
Australia conveyed its concern over what it calls “China’s dangerous maneuvers that damaged Philippine vessels and disrupted a resupply mission well within the Philippine’s EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone)”.
In her post on X, Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said that “the South China Sea is a vital international waterway for us all.”
Australia reiterated its call for “peace, stability, and respect for UNCLOS”.
The Embassy of the Republic of South Korea also released a statement via its Facebook account, stating its “concern about the unilateral actions that raised tensions in the South China Sea and threatened the safety of crew members.”
Korea affirms its support for peace, stability and rules-based order in the South China Sea, as an important “international sea lane of communications.”
It also reiterated the importance of “freedom of navigation and overflight based on the principles of international law, including UNCLOS.”
