Shinzo Abe stresses Japan's right to self-defence during Manila visit
Prime minister discusses regional security with Manila, stressing Japan's right to self defence
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to help strengthen the Philippines' maritime defence capabilities yesterday.
He also underscored the importance of dialogue between Tokyo and Beijing, but said problems are inevitable between neighbours.
And he said he would make it a point to explain to the leaders of Southeast Asian nations Japan's peaceful intentions.
"The Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships. Since we are neighbours, it is inevitable that we have various problems," Abe said in a news conference following his meeting with President Benigno Aquino.
"We should be aware of this," he said, speaking in Japanese. "And it is crucial that a joint effort be made [for] frank and creative discussions. It is a mutually beneficial relationship based on a common strategic interest."
He disclosed that in his meeting with US Vice-president Joseph Biden on Friday in Singapore, they discussed rising tensions over the Senkaku islands, which China calls the Diaoyus.
In their discussion, he said Biden "has made his point, not to escalate the situation".