Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte affirmed Wednesday their cooperation in resolving the territorial disputes in the South China Sea peacefully and in accordance with international law, a week after China and the Philippines agreed to set aside the contentious issue to promote bilateral relations.
The two leaders indicated they remain on the same page over addressing China’s military expansion at sea, despite Duterte’s overtures during his visit to China last week suggesting he wishes to align more closely with Beijing.
Watch: Philippine’s Duterte in high-profile visit to Japan
Abe said the leaders confirmed the importance of resolving maritime disputes in compliance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international law without resorting to the threat or use of force.
An international arbitration tribunal ruling in July found no legal basis for China’s sweeping claims to historical rights in the South China Sea. The Philippines, one of several Southeast Asian contesters in the territorial row with China, brought the case before Duterte took office.
