Japan and Southeast Asian countries called on Saturday for freedom of the air and sea and urged that disputes be resolved peacefully, amid concerns about Chinese military assertiveness that has raised regional tensions.
China's recent announcement of an air defence zone that covers islands in the East China Sea, which are controlled by Tokyo but also claimed by Beijing, triggered protests from Japan, United States and South Korea.
China is also locked in territorial rows with other Asian nations over wide swathes of the South China Sea, including waters claimed by several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Beijing has said it might set up a similar air defence zone there.
The statement did not refer to China's new air defence zone, but did note that Japan welcomed consultations between ASEAN and China on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
China's recent announcement of an air defence zone that covers islands in the East China Sea, which are controlled by Tokyo but also claimed by Beijing, triggered protests from Japan, United States and South Korea.
China is also locked in territorial rows with other Asian nations over wide swathes of the South China Sea, including waters claimed by several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Beijing has said it might set up a similar air defence zone there.
Also Read
“We underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and promoting maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, exercise of self-restraint and resolution of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law," said a statement issued at a summit of Japanese and ASEAN leaders in Tokyo.
The statement did not refer to China's new air defence zone, but did note that Japan welcomed consultations between ASEAN and China on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.