Philippines has found an ally in Japan in seeking for a peaceful resolution of disputes surrounding the ownership of the West Philippine Sea.
In a joint statement issued by the Philippine and Japanese governments, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda have agreed to develop a "strategic partnership."
"The two leaders welcomed the adoption of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC [Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea] and expressed their hope for the early formulation of a legally-binding Code of Conduct (COC) that is consistent with established international law," according to the statement.
Aquino is in Japan for a four-day state visit.
Citing the West Philippine Sea as "vital" for connecting "the world and the Asia Pacific Region," Aquino and Noda agreed that "peace and stability therein is of common interest to the international community."
The two leaders also "confirmed that freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and compliance with established international law including the UNCLOS and the peaceful settlement of disputes serve the interests of the two countries and the whole region," and these should also be "advanced and protected in the South China Sea."
China is among the staunchest claimants of the oil-rich disputed islands. Apart from China and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam also claim parts of the West Philippine Sea.
Apart from maritime safety, Japan and the Philippines are also keen on "strategic partnership in the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement; disaster prevention and management; environment and climate change; peace in Mindanao; tourism exchange, among other things.
While in Japan, Aquino also pledged US $1-million to aid in the reconstruction of parts of Ishinomaki and assist those affected in the massive earthquake and tsunami.
"We would like to assist to the extent we are able to," the President said, through an interpreter, adding that the monetary assistance "is the pledge of the Filipino people and the government," Aquino had said.
Aquino also thanked Japanese officials for "taking good care of our Filipino nationals here."
