From Nov. 6 to 8, 2024, Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Japan Coast Guard Vice Commandant for Operations Kanosue Hiroaki attended the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea 2024 as panelists.
On Nov. 7, Vice Commandant for Operations Kanosue participated in a session titled "The Coast Guard as Guardians of the Rule of Law at Sea," alongside Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Gavan and other officers. The session discussed the roles of coast guard agencies and emphasized their importance in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
On Nov. 8, Ambassador Endo attended a session titled “Peace and Stability in the South China Sea - the Stakes of the International Community.” He discussed the strengthening of the rule of law in the South China Sea with the ambassadors of the United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany.
Ambassador Endo stated that the South China Sea is a crucial sea lane for Japan, which relies on maritime transport for the majority of its resources and energy.” He also said that “the South China Sea issue is an important matter of interest for Japan and presented the developments of Japan-Philippines security and defense cooperation. On his final note, Ambassador Endo stressed that to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law, Japan will strengthen its cooperation not only with the Philippines but also with its allies and like-minded partners, including the United States, Australia and ASEAN member states.
