Duterte to raise sea row in meeting with Abe in Japan–DFA
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 24 May 2019 05:22:28 +0000
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will raise the issue of the West Philippine Sea dispute when he meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.
Duterte w ill be in Tokyo for the 25th Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia.
In a press briefing, DFA Assistant Secretary Meynardo Montealegre said that after his keynote address on May 31, the President would meet with Abe for bilateral discussions.
Here, the two leaders will discuss their partnership in defense and security, economic cooperation, infrastructure development, the entry of Filipino skilled workers to Japan and Japanese assistance for the development of the Bangsamoro region, he said.
The two will also exchange views on regional issues of mutual concern, including the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea, Montealegre said.
“The peace and stability in the region is a mutual concern to both the Philippines and Japan. And the South China Sea is central in this regard,” he said.
“The Philippines, for its part, has always affirmed its commitment to uphold the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight, freedom of commerce and other lawful activities, exercise of self-restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said.
In the past months, China had heightened its activities in the disputed waters.
In a report on Monday, US-based think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said that the “most destructive” Chinese clam harvesting fleets have returned to “harvest” giant clams in the area over the last six months.
Chinese vessels were reportedly seen near Pag-Asa and Kota islands.
It was reported that a Chinese ship was harvesting taklobos or giant clams, which has ultimately affected the catch of Filipino fishermen.
Duterte and Panelo have issued strong statements, with the President telling China to lay off Pag-asa island or face trouble. RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA
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