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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Japan 'closely monitoring' PRC's South China Sea conduct, to work with US, PH

Japan 'closely monitoring' PRC's South China Sea conduct, to work with US, PH

Published Sep 25, 2023 02:15 pm

Japan will be “closely monitoring” China’s activities in the South China Sea after it installed a 300-meter-long floating barrier in the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) that hindered Filipino fishermen from accessing one of their traditional fishing grounds.

CGV.jpg(From left) Japan Coast Guard Vessel Akitsushima (PLH 32), United States Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752), Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) conduct a trilateral engagement in the South China Sea June 5, 2023. (US Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Brett Cote)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which first reported about the installation, has since taken down the floating barrier.

In a statement, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno underscored the importance to Japan of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“We are closely monitoring China's activities in the South China Sea with concern. Issues surrounding the South China Sea are directly connected to regional peace and stability, and are a legitimate concern of the international community, including Japan,” he said.

“Japan strongly opposes any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea,” the official added.

He also took note of the possible trilateral cooperation with the United States and the Philippines, which has since gained ground following the second trilateral ministerial meeting during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

“As confirmed through the Japan-Philippines joint statement issued during President Marcos' visit to Japan in February and through a series of trilateral talks between Japan, the United States, and the Philippines, there is a strong commitment to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” Matsuno stated.

“To this end, we will work closely with the Philippines while cooperating with the United States,” he furthered.

The official made the remarks after both the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) “strongly condemn(ed)” the installation of the 300-meter floating barrier.

PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela posted photos and a video of the installed floating barrier taken during the PCG’s routine maritime patrol on Sept. 22.

The shoal, which is the largest atoll in the South China Sea, is claimed by China, including about 90 percent of the entire sea.

These claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

Related Tags

bajo de masinloc floating barrier Hirokazu Matsuno PCG South China Sea regional stability
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