Maritime talks: Phl, US, Japan tackle China's aggression

The Philippines, Japan and the United States expressed serious concerns about China's repeated blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone during their first Trilateral Maritime Dialogue held in Tokyo yesterday.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

"They expressed serious concerns about the PRC (People's Republic of China)'s dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea including the repeated blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels from operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone behavior that threatens the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations," the US State Department said in a statement following the dialogue.

“Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” it added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted the three countries had open and dynamic discussions on strategic perspectives on regional maritime issues, institutionalizing trilateral cooperation and future policy plans.

“The dialogue was a significant milestone in demonstrating the deepening cooperation of the Philippines, Japan and the US on maritime concerns, as well as their enduring commitment to uphold a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific through the rules-based international order that adheres to international law, particularly the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DFA said.

The US and Japan expressed their support for the consistent efforts by the Philippines toward the “peaceful settlement of disputes” in the South China Sea.

“The three countries emphasized that the trilateral maritime dialogue will serve as a durable foundation for coordination and cooperation in addressing challenges and complexities of the regional maritime landscape,” the DFA said.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Japan and the US reiterated their “strong expectation that the parties to the disputes would comply with the Arbitral Tribunal’s award as to the disputes between the Philippines and China regarding the South China Sea, leading to peaceful settlement of disputes.”