Japan has expressed serious concern over rising tensions in the South China Sea and firmly opposes any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the region. This was stated by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya during his visit to the Philippines, reports "Reuters", quoted by News.bg.
Iwaya stressed that Japan will continue to provide assistance for the development of the Philippines and strengthen its maritime security. He added that the trilateral cooperation mechanism involving the United States will be strengthened with the arrival of a new administration in Washington.
At a press conference attended by Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Iwaya stressed: "Japan firmly opposes any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force or to build up tension in the region. We strongly urge for the easing of tensions".
Manalo, for his part, stressed that the Philippines' relations with Japan are among the most stable and dynamic in the region.
Iwaya's visit follows a virtual conversation between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and outgoing US President Joe Biden. During the conversation, the three leaders reaffirmed their "trilateral agreement" to deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, security and technology, in response to the growing tension in the South China Sea.
We recall that on January 13, the Philippines lodged a protest against the presence of the Chinese coast guard, militia and navy in its exclusive economic zone. The protest was triggered by the presence of two Chinese coast guard ships around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which were allegedly spotted on January 5 and 10. In addition, a Chinese naval helicopter was also spotted in the area.
The Philippines called on China to desist from "escalating actions" near the shoal in the South China Sea.