(VOVWORLD) - Japan strongly backs the adherence to the Permanent Court of Arbitration's (PCA) 2016 ruling on the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea).
 (Photo: baotintuc.vn) |
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kashikawa Kazuhiko tweeted that a rules-based, free and open order in the sea is a legitimate concern of the international community, including Japan, as it has been a vital sea lane that needs to remain free and open.
He reiterated Japan’s position that any actions by force or coercion are utterly unacceptable. The rules-based international order is more important than ever for every country, regardless of its size, he added.
The PCA’s ruling, issued in July, 2016, rejects China’s irrational claim to have “historical rights” over the so-called “nine-dash-line”, covering 80% of the East Sea.