Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: Japan Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa on Tuesday criticized China’s refusal to abide by a ruling under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The arbitration concerned a dispute between the Philippines and Chiba and was handed down six years ago. Hayashi pointed out that as the tribunal’s ruling is final and legally binding, “the claim by China that it will not accept the ruling is against the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community.”

The Japanese foreign minister said he hoped the parties will comply with the ruling and settle their differences peacefully. “The government of the Philippines had consistently complied and shown its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.”

Hayashi emphasized the importance of respecting internationally agreed arbitration. “Given the universality and comprehensiveness of UNCLOS, all maritime claims must be based on the relevant provisions of UNCLOS. Japan has renewed its objection to maritime claims in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with UNCLOS and remains seriously concerned about the current situation. Furthermore, Japan reiterates its strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” Hayashi said.

Japan will work with ASEAN and other countries “to maintain and strengthen the maritime order based on the rule of law, and to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.”