Abe, Aquino Share Concern about China

Tokyo, June 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Benigno Aquino expressed concerns Thursday about China's land reclamation in disputed waters in the South China Sea. "Both countries share serious concern on unilateral actions to change the status quo in the South China Sea including large-scale land reclamation and building of outposts," the two leaders said in a joint statement after their meeting in Tokyo. "Coastal states are required under international law to refrain from unilateral actions that would cause permanent physical change to the maritime environment," they said. The two leaders reaffirmed opposition to any attempt to change the status quo, Abe said at a joint news conference with Aquino, without specifying China by name. Aquino said countries should act in a responsible manner. Abe and Aquino agreed to take steps to expand security cooperation between the two countries, including the start of bilateral talks to conclude an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. Security cooperation between the two countries "has been gaining more significance in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region at a time when the security environment in the region is faced with many challenges," the statement said. Japan already has agreements on defense equipment and technology transfers in place with the United States, Britain and Australia. Such an agreement is required to prevent the transfer of Japanese equipment and technology to a third country. Patrol aircraft and radar equipment are among possible items Japan is expected to export to the Philippines once such an agreement is concluded, informed sources said. During their meeting, Abe told Aquino that Japan will support railway and other infrastructure development in the Philippines. END