Japan has called for a peaceful resolution to the issues surrounding Taiwan, saying it would affect the peace and security of neighboring countries and the livelihood of their citizens. *Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko and US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d'Affaires Heather Variava (RTVM Screenshots)*

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said this as he graced the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan in Bataan on Monday, April 10. In his remarks, Koshikawa said that large-scale military activities in the region threaten the peace and security of neighboring countries. The Japanese diplomat was referring to China's three-day military drills encircling Taiwan that started over the weekend. "Repeated large-scale military action in the vicinity by a neighbor seriously affects the peace and security of Japan and other countries in the region, as well as the safety and livelihood of their citizens," Koshikawa said. "We sincerely hope that issues surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully, not by force," he added.

Peaceful Indo-Pacific region

In his remarks, Koshikawa stressed that no military or economic power should undermine the "existing global order," particularly the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. "Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, once divided by war, are now mutually trusting democratic partners, working toward a common goal to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region," he said. "Committed to our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, we firmly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, especially in the East and South China Sea," he added. "We cannot allow any military and economic power to undermine the very foundation of existing global order and plunge the world into complete chaos and tragedy," he continued. According to the Japanese envoy, Japan and the Philippines, together with the United States and other like-minded countries, are partners in maintaining a peaceful and stable world. "Amid the increasingly severe international security environment, we seek to prevent a repeat of the tragedy of war for the sake of the present and future generations," Koshikawa said. During the same event, US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d'Affaires Heather Variava likewise called for peace in the region. "I would like to also echo the words of my colleague, the Japanese ambassador, calling for the peaceful, prosperous, open, free Indo-Pacific and the rules-based order that we all have enjoyed for the last 70+ years," she said.

US stands by PH

According to Variava, the US remains committed to being the Philippines' friend, partner, and ally. "Our commitment to the US-Philippine alliance is ironclad. This alliance, established following World War II, continues to unite and inspire generations of Filipinos and Americans," she said. "Filipino World War II veterans shaped the history of both the Philippines and the United States. We all owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for their valor and their sacrifice," she added. "Today, we recommit to the quest for peace so that future generations will not experience the horrors of those who lived through wars and conflicts," she continued. Meanwhile, Variava noted that more than 12,000 American service members will visit the Philippines this month to work and train with Filipino service members, shoulder-to-shoulder, in "the largest Balikatan Exercise ever held."