Japan, East Timor Reaffirm Cooperation for Order in S. China Sea

Tokyo, March 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Taur Matan Ruak, president of East Timor, reaffirmed on Tuesday their countries' cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and maintain order there based on the rule of law. At a meeting in Tokyo, the two leaders agreed to oppose unilateral action that could change the status quo and boost tensions, in regard to China's development of artificial islands in the disputed sea. "We confirmed our cooperation to realize open and stable oceans," Abe said at a joint press conference later in the day. Ruak, who visited Japan for the first time since he took office in 2012, noted he believes in the power of international law, dialogue and bargaining to resolve the issue. At their meeting, Abe offered to provide about five billion yen in Japan's official development assistance to East Timor this year, to help develop infrastructure and education in the Southeast Asian nation and promote women's participation there. Abe also told Ruak that Japan is ready to help East Timor join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Also on Tuesday, the president paid a courtesy call to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace. END