Vietnam's Que Duong defence platform on the East Sea (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsuon July 12 issued a statement calling on relevant sides to comply with thePermanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)’s ruling in settling disputes in the EastSea, internationally known as the South China Sea.
The ruling on the waters was issued on July 12, 2016 by the PCA,which is based in The Hague (the Netherlands).
In the statement, Japan renews its objection to any maritimeclaims in the region that are inconsistent with the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
As the PCA’s ruling is final and legally binding on the parties tothe dispute under the provisions of the UNCLOS, the parties to this case, arerequired to comply with the award, Motegi said.
“Given the universality and comprehensiveness of UNCLOS, allmaritime claims must be based on the relevant provisions of UNCLOS,” thestatement read.
Japan remains seriously concerned about the current situation andreiterates its strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the statusquo by force or coercion.
The Foreign Minister said that Japan will continue working incoordination with ASEAN and other countries concerned to maintain andstrengthen the maritime order based on the rule of law, and to realise a freeand open Indo-Pacific.
On the sameday, the Global Affairs Canada, the department that manages Canada's diplomaticand consular relations, also issued a statement in which it reiterates the needfor all involved parties to comply with the ruling, stating that the decisionis a significant milestone and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputesin the waters.
Canada calls on all states to live up to previouscommitments made in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in theEast Sea.
The country voiced its support for lawful commerce, navigation andoverflight rights, as well as the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastalstates in the waters, exercised in accordance with international law, includingthe UNCLOS. These principles are essential to a secure, stable and prosperousIndo-Pacific region, the statement said.
“Canada is committed to defending and revitalising an effectiverules-based international order, including for the oceans and seas, and to thepeaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” thestatement affirmed./.
