Duterte praises Japan’s quest for rules-based order in disputed waters

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte thanked the Japanese government for supporting a rules-based approach in addressing maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

The recent regional developments highlight the role of norms and institutions to manage relations among nations, Duterte said during the 24th ASEAN-Japan Summit Wednesday.

“We thank Japan for its statement on the 5th Anniversary of the Arbitral Tribunal award affirming the rule of law,” according to the chief executive.

“Along with the rest of ASEAN, the Philippines upholds the vision of the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity. We are for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” he added.

Duterte also promised that the Philippines will continue to work closely with China and the ASEAN toward the conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea under the coordinatorship of Myanmar.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the President said the dynamic engagement between the ASEAN and Japan has continued to progress.

“We deeply appreciate Japan’s continued support for the Philippines’ and ASEAN’s Covid-19 mitigation efforts,” he also said.

Duterte expressed hope that cooperation with Japan could continue to “fortify regional and global supply chains, build quality infrastructure, boost tourism, and strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises.”

Recognizing the need for human capital development to post-pandemic recovery, the Filipino leader asked for Japan’s support in technical and vocational education and training, with the Philippines being the inaugural chair of the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council for 2020-2022.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)