Japan: SCS issues 'directly related' to regional peace, stability

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2021): Japan: SCS issues 'directly related' to regional peace, stability (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MARITIME PATROL. Vessels believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia are seen off the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea based on information from the maritime patrol conducted by the AFP Western Command on Monday (March 22, 2021). The Julian Felipe Reef is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Japanese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday chimed in on the current situation in the South China Sea (SCS), hours after the United States expressed its concern over the swarming of some 200 Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In a statement, Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said issues related to the strategic waters are "directly related" to the region's stability.

"The South China Sea issues are directly related to peace and stability and a concern for all. Japan strongly opposes any action that heightens tensions," Kazuhiko said on Twitter. "We support the enforcement of rule of law in the sea and work with the international community to protect the free, open, and peaceful seas."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed on Monday that about 183 vessels believed to be Chinese maritime militia were sighted by a Philippine maritime air patrol in Julian Felipe Reef, also known as Whitsun Reef, about 175 nautical miles off Palawan.

The US, the country's defense ally, said it stands with the Philippines as it expressed concern over this unauthorized and lingering presence of Chinese fishing vessels on Philippine waters.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Manila took to Twitter and even tagged the official handle of the US Embassy in the Philippines to tell Washington to stay out of the South China Sea issue.

"The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue. Fanning flames and provoking confrontation in the region will only serve selfish interests of individual country and undermine the regional peace and stability," it said.

It added that both China and the Philippines are sovereign and independent countries and "have the will, wisdom, and ability to properly handle relevant issues through bilateral channels."

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, told China to immediately withdraw its fishing vessels on the country's waters in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134661