Japan and Ukraine called today for the rule of law to prevail in international disputes, as a two-day summit involving some 60 countries, including Russia, closed in Tokyo.
The calls at the Organizion for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meeting come as Ukraine faces down pro-Russian forces in its east, amid accusations the fighters are receiving support from Moscow.
It also comes as Japan and some Southeast Asian countries voice disquiet about what they say is intimidation by China over disputed territories in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
"Our discussion...Has made particularly clear the significance of the rule of law, specifically concerning the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," said Ihor Prokopchuk, Ukraine's ambassador to OSCE.
"Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and its ongoing support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine... shatter the pillar of security community concept," he told the conference in Tokyo.
"We have met at a time when the OSCE faces the biggest challenge as fundamental... Principles and commitments... Are breached by one participant state (Russia)," he said.
Hosts Japan have sought to cast the instability in Europe in the same light as a collection of disputes between Beijing and countries in the South China Sea, as well as that with Tokyo in the East China Sea.
"Unilateral actions to change by force the status quo established by international law represent great challenges to international security," Prokopchuk said.
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida echoed those sentiments.
"Changing the status quo with force is not permissible, and Japan has never seen the situation in Ukraine as a fire on the other side of the river," he said, according to a transcript provided by the foreign ministry.
"It's extremely important that Asia and Europe fully enforce the rule of law and share wisdom and lessons... To promote confidence-building and the peaceful resolution of conflicts," Kishida said.
