Trudeau on sea row: Seek political, diplomatic means

MANILA, Philippines —  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday urged rival claimants, which include the Philippines and China, over the South China Sea to seek resolution of the longstanding disputes.

Speaking in a press conference in Pasay City following the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting in Manila, Trudeau said "political and diplomatic" means should be pursued amid the large-scale reclamation of China on reefs in the contested waters.

"We call upon all parties to come together and respect international law and proper processes in what is a difficult situation," Trudeau said.

While the sea row is not officially on the agenda at the APEC summit in Manila, world leaders brought up the issue in bilateral meetings and talks on the sidelines of the international gathering.

Trudeau, who is on his first international trip after being installed prime minister, also met  on Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who explained the situation in the maritime region.

In a briefing, Abe's spokesperson Yasuhisa Kawamura said the Japanese leader sought a more active relationship with Canada in promoting peace in the western Pacific.

"He (Abe) would like to promote the cooperative relationship with Canada in order to promote peace and stability in the region," the official said.

Canada has been largely silent about the maritime flare-ups as China has built islands on rocks and shoals claimed by smaller Southeast Asian neighbors such as the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea over the past months. The United States, meanwhile, has recently conducted freedom of navigation operations near the artificial islands despite Beijing's opposition.

Last year, Canada issued a statement expressing concern over maritime tensions between China and Vietnam, saying the dustup has the "potential to undermine regional peace and stability."

"Canada encourages both parties concerned to seek an amicable resolution of disputes, in accordance with international law, and to avoid undertaking any confrontational or intimidating actions that would further escalate tensions in the region," said Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird.

"We are concerned by actions that may jeopardize freedom of navigation, international trade and maritime security," Baird added. — with a report from RP Ocampo