Japan reiterates support for Phl on sea row with China

MANILA, Philippines - Japan has reiterated its support for the Philippines’ turning to international arbitration in its territorial dispute with China, saying the tack is consistent with Tokyo’s own rule of law advocacy.

Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida voiced his country’s support during talks on Friday in Hiroshima with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The DFA chief thanked Kishida for his declaration of support and stressed Manila’s resolve in pursuing arbitration.

The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the 12-nation Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI).

The two foreign ministers vowed to promote bilateral maritime cooperation, which they described as an important pillar of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Japan has pledged continued maritime capacity-building assistance to the Philippines, citing ongoing initiatives to provide the Philippine Coast Guard with human resources training, communications systems and patrol vessels.

During the talks, Kishida conveyed Japan’s pleasure at the Philippines’ getting admitted into the NPDI in 2013.

Del Rosario noted the Philippines’ and Japan’s shared position on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

Kishida also reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Del Rosario, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to Japan for its unwavering solidarity and overwhelming assistance, noting that Japan had extended prompt and substantial government aid valued at almost $120 million.

Kishida also took the opportunity to congratulate the Philippine government for the recent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering support for the peace process and Mindanao’s economic development.

Del Rosario, in reply, acknowledged Japan’s many crucial and positive contributions that have helped move the peace process forward, citing the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) and Japan’s membership in the International Monitoring Team, the International Contact Group, and the Independent Commission on Policing.

Both sides have committed to engaging in active consultations on these and other security issues.