Japan, Philippines Agree to Work Closely against China

Dabao, Philippines, Aug. 11 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte agreed Thursday that their countries will continue to work closely in order to stop China's forceful maritime expansion. At their meeting in Dabao, on the island of Mindanao, Kishida and Duterte also shared the belief in the importance of the rule of law and a peaceful solution to disputes in the South China Sea, following a closely watched ruling in July by an international court ruling. The ruling, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands, rejected China's claims in a territorial dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea. It was the first time that Duterte has held talks with a senior Japanese government official since the president took office in late June. Kishida's visit to the Philippines is aimed at reaffirming bilateral cooperation and keeping further provocations by China in check. An increasing number of Chinese government ships have recently intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. China also claims the Japanese-administered islands, which it calls Diaoyu. For its part, the Philippines are demanding China abide by international law in the South China Sea. At the meeting, Kishida threw Japan's support behind the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute with China, saying the rule of law is important. Duterte said he respects the ruling by the international tribunal. The Philippines will work with Japan to resolve disputes, he said, adding that his country also hopes to promote cooperation with Japan not only in trade but also in the security field. Earlier on Thursday, Kishida also held talks with his Filipino counterpart, Perfecto Yasay. At a news conference after the meeting, Yasay said Japan and the Philippines have similar experiences in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Acts of intimidation are not permitted under international law, he said. Kishida expressed Japan's readiness to consider providing the Philippines with a large-scale patrol ship to help improve the country's maritime policing capability. Japan has already decided to give patrol ships to the Philippines' coast guard. END