Japan: Reject 'might is right' concept in resolving sea row

MANILA, Philippines - Japan called yesterday for the rejection of the “might is right” concept in resolving territorial disputes and urged all claimants to hew to international law.

In his speech at the First Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) at the Manila Hotel, Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Koji Tsuruoka underscored the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in developing maritime order in the international community.

Tsuruoka emphasized that non-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian nations) countries in the region, including Japan, should keep supporting these efforts by ASEAN.

He said ASEAN’s engagement in the evolving process of UNCLOS serves the interest of the entire region.

The Philippines hosted the Third ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) on Oct. 3 and 4 and the First Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) on Oct. 5.

Tsuruoka said UNCLOS defines only basic maritime order and does not address disputes over territories.

“Thus, more efforts should be made to establish maritime order and rules depending on characteristics of each region in accordance with relevant international laws including UNCLOS,” Tsuruoka said.

He did not specifically cite the dispute between Japan and China over Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands and the dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“Of course, these efforts must be made through peaceful talks. We should firmly deny any idea justifying ‘might is right.’ This is an unyielding and invincible principle for the sea that can connect the people and lead them to prosperity,” he added.