China's neighboring nations have expressed concerns about Beijing's aggression and are now acting to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan on Tuesday, August 8, extended a P1.1 billion yen (P432 million) grant to the Philippines to allow the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to procure a state-of-the-art Satellite Data Communication System.
The initiative is expected to improve PCG's maritime domain awareness and maritime law enforcement capabilities, which could eventually realize the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," according to the Japanese Embassy in Manila.
The program could also contribute to the Philippines' economic and social development and the strengthening of cooperation in the Sulu-Celebes Sea, it added.
"In light of the situations in the South China Sea, this is a very timely cooperation that will enable the decision makers of the Philippine government here in Manila to grasp in real time the situation off shore," Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in his remark.
"Moreover, this will be extremely effective in terms of crisis management and response," he added.
Japan also vowed to continue tying up with the Philippines to enhance its security "to build back better societies" as it also recently called "totally unacceptable" China's recent water cannon attack against Philippine personnel.
Meanwhile, China's immediate neighbor, South Korea, on Tuesday was also worried about Beijing's activities in the South China Sea.
"On the recent use of water cannons against the Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea, the ROK Embassy in the Philippines is concerned about the actions that raise tensions in these waters," it said.
"The Embassy reaffirms its support for peace, stability, and rules-based order in the South China Sea, as an important international sea lane of communications, and for the freedom of navigation and overflight based on the principles of international law, including UNCLOS," it added.