Abe supports Vietnam in East Sea dispute settlement
(VOV) - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on May 30 voiced Japan’s support for Vietnam and the Philippines in their territorial disputes with China, saying the use of force and intimidation to change the status quo cannot be justified.
Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue 2014 in Singapore, Abe said that the rule of law is what makes the Asia-Pacific region stable, and that countries should observe international law, avoid resorting to force, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
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PM Abe says Japan supports ASEAN in settling East Sea disputes (Photo: VNA) |
Japan will offer its utmost support for the efforts of ASEAN countries as they work to ensure the security of the seas and the skies, and thoroughly maintain freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, he told defence and security officials from the Asia-Pacific region.
"Japan intends to play an even greater and more proactive role than it has until now in making peace in Asia and the world something more certain," said the PM.
The speech, the first by a Japanese prime minister at the forum, came amid increased tensions in the East Sea after China illegally placed its drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, in an attempt to realise it ‘nine-dash line’ in the East Sea.
The Japanese PM expressed hope that parties concerned will work on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea very soon, and that Japan is considering providing patrol ships to Vietnam.