PH, Japan, US forge maritime cooperation in Tokyo

The Philippines, Japan, and the United States established a foundation for maritime cooperation during their first trilateral dialogue in Tokyo on December 10.

Officials from the three nations met to coordinate on regional maritime challenges through a rules-based approach anchored on international law.

The dialogue gained fresh urgency following recent Chinese vessel harassment and use of water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea.

The US and Japan issued statements of concern over the incident, emphasizing compliance with international law and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal's ruling.

Diplomats from Manila, Washington, and Tokyo discussed maritime issues in the region, expressing "serious concerns about the People Republic of China's dangerous and unlawful behavior" in the waters.

Beijing's aggression, they said, included the repeated blocking as well as harassment of Philippine vessels from operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which threatens the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations.

Japan and the US expressed their support for the Philippines' consistent efforts toward a peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.