Japan strongly supports compliance with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award on the East Sea arbitration case, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kashikawa Kazuhiko has twitted.

Scarborough Shoal. Photo: philstar.com

He affirmed that ensuring 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 and needs to remain free and open.

Regarding the recent incident around Scarborough Shoal, the diplomat 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 Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling, issued on July 12, 2016, rejects China’s irrational claim over 80 percent of the East Sea.

Source: VNA