The Netherlands and Japan have jointly expressed concern over unilateral action that may change the status quo and create tensions in West Philippine Sea and East China Sea.
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte “share the importance of the rule of law for the international community including the freedom of navigation and overflight over the high seas, and stress the importance to settle disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law,” said in a joint statement posted at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website after the two’s meeting in Tokyo.
The statement added that Abe and Rutte “share concerns caused by any unilateral actions, including the threat or use of force and coercion, that change the status quo and raise tensions in the East and South China Sea.”
“They support the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the rapid conclusion of the negotiations to establish an effective code of conduct in the South China Sea,” the statement added.
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