The Philippines has called for a "united front" to address challenges to the peace and stability in the region amid its protest against the continued stay of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

TIGHT WATCH – Crew members of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra monitor the departure of seven Chinese militia vessels from the Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on April 27, 2021. (Philippine Coast Guard)

The country's representative relayed the message after thanking Japan for being a "strong partner" in promoting regional peace and security during the virtual 36th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan forum attended by senior officials on May 27.

“As a family bound together...the best way to move forward against collective threats and challenges is to present a united front," Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso said during the regional forum.

"Japan is our strong partner in maintaining peace and security in our region,” she added.

Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeo Mori affirmed its support for promoting regional peace and security during the meeting with the senior officials from ASEAN members. “We are facing the same challenges, and we are on the same page,” the Japanese official said.

The Philippines raised the threat posed by the presence of Chinese vessels in the country's maritime areas during the ASEAN-Japan forum.

Tensions have recently simmered over the disputed South China Sea after Manila denounced the unlawful presence of hundreds of Chinese ships in West Philippine Sea and demanded their immediate withdrawal.

"Buensuceso said that the presence and swarming of Chinese maritime militia within Philippine maritime zones not only infringes upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, but also threatens the security and stability in the region," a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) release read.

READ: PH files protest vs Chinese ships' 'illegal activities' near Pag-asa Island

Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and SOM Leader Elizabeth P. Buensuceso highlights ASEAN-Japan cooperation in addressing regional and security issues at the 36th ASEAN-Japan Forum. (DFA-ASEAN photo)

In the meeting, the ASEAN and Japan's senior officials have continued calls for self-restraint and peaceful resolution to the dispute in the South China Sea.

"The Meeting’s participants reiterated calls for adherence to the rule of law, including the 1982 United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), exercise of self-restraint, resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and undertaking of cooperative activities to build trust and confidence," the DFA said.

The Philippines meantime expressed gratitude to Japan for backing efforts for a free and peaceful South China Sea as well as for the 2016 court decision that nullified Beijing's excessive claims to the area.

"The Philippines thanked Japan for its statement of support for peace and stability in the region through the enforcement of the rule of law in the seas, and working with the international community to protect free, open, and peaceful seas," the DFA said.

"Undersecretary Buensuceso also welcomed Japan’s expressed support for the 2016 arbitral award that contributes to the rules-based order in the South China Sea," it added.

Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and Senior Official Elizabeth P. Buensuceso (top row, leftmost) joins fellow ASEAN SOM Leaders and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Political Security Community Robert Matheus Tene in a meeting with Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, SOM Leader for ASEAN of Japan Takeo Mori. (DFA photo)

Apart from the South China Sea issue, the Philippines tackled its concern about the situation of Myanmar and called for de-escalation of violence during the regional meeting.

"Undersecretary Buensuceso called for the restoration of the previously existing state of affairs in Myanmar, the de-escalation of violence, restraint in using lethal force against unarmed civilians, immediate release of political detainees including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and for the swift implementation of the Five Point Consensus reached during the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting last 24 April 2021," the DFA said.

READ: PH welcomes UN Security Council's support for ASEAN's 'constructive' role in Myanmar

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PH seeks 'united front' for regional peace, stability; Japan cited as a 'strong partner'