President Aquino recognizes Japan's support for peaceful resolution of sea row

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): President Aquino recognizes Japan's support for peaceful resolution of sea row

President Benigno Aquino III expressed his appreciation for Japan’s resolute stand on resolving maritime disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with the international law.

In his intervention during the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Summit here on Sunday, Nov. 22, President Aquino recognized Japan’s contribution in promoting peace and stability in the region amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines likewise appreciates Japan’s interest and concern as regards recent developments in the sea known by many names. Japan has taken a strong stand against the use of intimidation, coercion, and force, as well as unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo in the disputed areas,” Aquino said.

“Japan has also consistently supported calls for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, and for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, as well as the expeditious conclusion and establishment of a legally-binding Code of Conduct,” he added.

Aquino noted Japan’s active role in maintaining peace and stability in the region by participating in ASEAN Regional Forum and organizing intercessional meeting on maritime security.

“In the context of the evolving relations in the region, responsible states have also been increasingly called upon to assume more significant roles," he said.

He cited Japan’s current efforts under "Proactive Contribution to Peace" based on the principle of international cooperation, and of the significant role it played in the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Japan co-chaired the Inter-Sessional Meeting (ISM) on Maritime Security with the Philippines and the United States from 2015 to 2017 during the ASEAN forum.

"Such efforts enable ASEAN to strengthen engagement with Japan in the pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” said Aquino.

The President stressed that after four decades, Japan has become ASEAN’s “natural ally for peace and stability.”

He also mentioned Japan’s support for ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional security architecture.

“Over the years, they have actively supported capacity-building by ASEAN Member States to respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and to enhance the foundations of a rules-based security environment,” he said.

He likewise thanked Japan for the USD10-billion investment plan for infrastructure projects in Asia through the Asian Development Bank.

“This is a major step towards strengthening our physical connectivity, which we have always deemed vital in our journey towards equitable prosperity,” he said.

Aquino also noted Japan’s future role in promoting economic growth in the region considering that Japan is the second largest source of foreign direct investments into ASEAN.

“We have reason to believe that these investment linkages will grow even stronger given the official launch of the ASEAN Community. We also note Japan’s latest major initiatives on human capital development. These initiatives do more than bolster competitiveness; they help promote economic growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and whose benefits can be felt by all sooner rather than later,” he said.

Aquino said ASEAN is looking forward to enhancing partnership with Japan “in every possible aspect” with the full implementation of ASEAN economic integration by yearend.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=830022