Japan, Philippines commit to freedom of navigation and overflight in East China Sea, East Sea

East Sea was one of the topics raised during the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio 's visit to the Philippines. (Source: Reuters)

On November 3^rd, during their meeting at the Philippine Presidential Palace, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the two sides' commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the East China Sea and the East Sea.

In a later joint press release, the two leaders also emphasized the need to adhere to a “rules-based approach in resolving overlapping claims in maritime areas.”

In addition, according to Prime Minister Kishida, both countries expressed deep concern about China's attempt to “unilaterally change the status quo by force” in the East China Sea and the East Sea. He stated: “We are deeply concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and the East Sea. Unilateral efforts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable..." Japan emphasizes efforts to maintain and ensure peace and safety in the world through international cooperation.

In addition, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio stressed that Japan will strengthen cooperation with the Philippines in improving the latter’s maritime law enforcement capabilities, including providing patrol boats, defense equipment and advanced technology, including the transfer of surveillance and control radar.

Moreover, Japan will begin official negotiations toward a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines. This will allow both sides to hold joint exercises for the first time on the South East Asian country's coast. Currently, the Government of Japan is providing a grant of 600 million Yen to the Philippine Navy to purchase a coastal radar system, in order to enhance the country's maritime domain awareness capabilities.

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