King123
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Tokyo and Manila Strengthen Defense Ties With an Eye Toward China
TOKYO—Japan and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to strengthen maritime security ties, while also underscoring the importance of preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China.
After his talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, on a four-day visit to Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told reporters that the two sides committed to bolstering "cooperation between coastguards and defense-related authorities."
A joint statement said bilateral ties have evolved from friendly relations to a "strategic partnership," and called for more collaboration on "regional and global issues of mutual concern and interest." The two countries also agreed to conduct frequent discussions on defense at more senior levels and increase the number of Japan Coast Guard missions to help train their Philippine counterparts.
Although the agreement does not directly mention China, it is a major symbolic step toward a multilateral consensus in Asia on dealing with increasing territorial friction with China.
The Philippines and China both lay claim to the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea that geologists think may lie atop significant oil and gas deposits. Philippine officials have accused Chinese vessels of hindering oil and gas exploration in a portion of the waters known as Reed Bank. Vietnam, which also claims part of the Spratly chain, has likewise complained of China's increasingly assertive claims in the region.
Japan, too, has seen its relations with China strained by a territorial dispute, this one over islands in the East China Sea. A war of words broke out between Beijing and Tokyo last autumn following the arrest of a Chinese fishing crew by the Japanese coast guard, and the year since has brought a series of incursions by Chinese ships into the disputed waters. Mr. Noda earlier this month voiced concern over China's military build-up and increased maritime activity near Japan.
The agreement between Japan and the Philippines stresses the two countries' shared interests, bringing the similar but separate maritime squabbles with China under a larger cooperative umbrella.
"The peaceful settlement of disputes serves the interests of the two countries and the whole region," said the joint statement, signed by both leaders. Japan and the Philippines "share the recognition that these same interests should also be advanced and protected in the South China Sea."
Responding to the Japan-Philippines meeting, China's foreign ministry on Tuesday reiterated its claim to the disputed waters in the South China Sea.
"China has indisputable sovereignty over the island and surrounding waters of the South China Sea," said ministry spokesman Hong Lei in Beijing.
Japan, Philippines Tighten Defense Ties - WSJ.com
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 AM ----------
China is underestimating her neighbours.
TOKYO—Japan and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to strengthen maritime security ties, while also underscoring the importance of preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China.
After his talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, on a four-day visit to Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told reporters that the two sides committed to bolstering "cooperation between coastguards and defense-related authorities."
A joint statement said bilateral ties have evolved from friendly relations to a "strategic partnership," and called for more collaboration on "regional and global issues of mutual concern and interest." The two countries also agreed to conduct frequent discussions on defense at more senior levels and increase the number of Japan Coast Guard missions to help train their Philippine counterparts.
Although the agreement does not directly mention China, it is a major symbolic step toward a multilateral consensus in Asia on dealing with increasing territorial friction with China.
The Philippines and China both lay claim to the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea that geologists think may lie atop significant oil and gas deposits. Philippine officials have accused Chinese vessels of hindering oil and gas exploration in a portion of the waters known as Reed Bank. Vietnam, which also claims part of the Spratly chain, has likewise complained of China's increasingly assertive claims in the region.
Japan, too, has seen its relations with China strained by a territorial dispute, this one over islands in the East China Sea. A war of words broke out between Beijing and Tokyo last autumn following the arrest of a Chinese fishing crew by the Japanese coast guard, and the year since has brought a series of incursions by Chinese ships into the disputed waters. Mr. Noda earlier this month voiced concern over China's military build-up and increased maritime activity near Japan.
The agreement between Japan and the Philippines stresses the two countries' shared interests, bringing the similar but separate maritime squabbles with China under a larger cooperative umbrella.
"The peaceful settlement of disputes serves the interests of the two countries and the whole region," said the joint statement, signed by both leaders. Japan and the Philippines "share the recognition that these same interests should also be advanced and protected in the South China Sea."
Responding to the Japan-Philippines meeting, China's foreign ministry on Tuesday reiterated its claim to the disputed waters in the South China Sea.
"China has indisputable sovereignty over the island and surrounding waters of the South China Sea," said ministry spokesman Hong Lei in Beijing.
Japan, Philippines Tighten Defense Ties - WSJ.com
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 AM ----------
China is underestimating her neighbours.