Japan has tried to blame China for the deteriorating situation in the region, accusing it of unilaterally seeking changes to the “status quo”.
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Both Mr Ramos and Mr Alunan, however, said the Chinese side merely noted their proposals.
Hua Chunying responded, “China’s position on the issue of Diaoyu Dao is clear and consistent, that is, Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands is an inherent part of China’s territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over them and the adjacent waters”.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos gestures during a press briefing at the Philippines consular office in Hong Kong, China, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016.
The embassy notice cites the anniversary of the end of World War II on August 15 and two other dates in September marking key events in the often-fraught history between China and Japan.
Japan is also donating coast guard vessels and leasing aircraft to boost the Philippines’ weak military and maritime capabilities.
“We invoke and urge China to make sure that maritime security and the rule of law must completely and uncompromisingly respected”, Yasay said after the meeting.
“The Philippines should look for ways to cooperate with our neighbors to preserve marine ecosystems in the South China Sea and to ensure the sustainability of fishing resources for everyone”, he said in the same forum.
Kishida said in an earlier interview, his visit is meant to affirm Japan’s “friendly ties” with the Philippines, particularly since the Philippines and Japan are celebrating 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“Maritime order based on the rule of law would be responsible for maritime security and prosperity”, he was quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as saying.
China has rejected the ruling of the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, insisting it has “undisputed sovereignty” over the South China Sea, but Ohtaka said “the worldwide community needs to stick to its position, no matter how long it takes”.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.
The satellite was launched amid China’s efforts to firmly establish its control over the South China Sea, after last month’s tribunal verdict quashing Beijing expansive claims over all most all of the disputed area also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
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“If Vietnam’s latest deployment is targeting China, that would be a awful mistake”.
