Secretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay (Photo: EPA/VNA) Ulan Bator (VNA) – Both the Philippines and Japan have called on China to respect the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) ruling that rejected Beijing’s nine-dash line claims in the East Sea, as part of their participation at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit.
On July 15, in his speech at a session during the summit in Mongolia, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay said his country will strive for peaceful resolutions and work with countries involved to ease tensions in the region.
He stated that the Philippines will push for mutually beneficial ties with all countries.
The same day, Jose Calida, a top Philippine government lawyer, stressed that Manila will make no concessions to Beijing.
At a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on the sideline of the ASEM summit, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged all sides involved in the tribunal that they should respect international law.
Prior to the meeting, PM Abe also mentioned the subject in a speech he made at the summit. Abe said the summit should discuss the East Sea issue and underscored the importance of a peaceful solution to the issue in line with international law.
According to the PCA, China’s claim to “historic rights” over waters within its “nine-dash line” is contrary to the UNCLOS.
It said Beijing has caused long-term and irreparable harm to the coral ecosystem in the Truong Sa archipelago.
The PCA ruling also stressed that China has interfered with the traditional fishing rights of the Philippines in Scaborough Shoal, highlighting that China’s actions have worsened disputes between the country and the Philippines when efforts have been made to resolve the disputes.-VNA
