Suga calls out maritime actions violating Japan’s sovereignty

“Moves that go against the rule of law and openness are occurring,” Suga said during the EAS talks, which were attended virtually by the leaders and representatives of 18 countries, including Japan, the United States, China, Russia and the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

Apparently with China’s repeated provocations in the waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture in mind, Suga said, “In the East China Sea, activities that violate Japan’s sovereignty have continued.”

Regarding the South China Sea issue, he stressed the importance of the rule of law.

“Legitimate rights, including freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, need to be respected,” Suga said.

The prime minister also mentioned Hong Kong, where China is tightening its control over pro-democracy politicians and activists.

“It is important that the freedom and rights of Hong Kong’s citizens and the people of other countries are respected, and that developments are made democratically and stably,” he said.

Suga also called for the full implementation of sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council against North Korea to completely eliminate the country’s nuclear and missile programs.

Premier Li Keqiang represented China for the EAS talks. U.S. President Donald Trump was absent for the fourth year in a row so Washington was represented by national security adviser Robert O’Brien as a special envoy.

 

■ Virus, climate fights

On Saturday, Suga also attended an online summit of the so-called ASEAN Plus Three that involves ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea. He explained Japan’s contribution to measures against the novel coronavirus, such as the establishment of an ASEAN center to combat infectious diseases. He also pledged to provide support to develop the center into an organization that will protect people of ASEAN member states from the threat of infectious diseases.

During the meeting, Suga also expressed an intention to support efforts by other countries to counter climate change, while referring to his government’s goal of “reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.”

Among other issues, the prime minister called for the lifting of restrictions on imports of Japanese food products in the wake of the 2011 accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings, Inc. He also asked for cooperation in resolving the issue of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese nationals.

The online summit was also attended by Li and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The participants welcomed Suga for his first participation in the summit as prime minister.

“I hope that ASEAN and Japan will work together to build a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Suga told reporters after the meeting. “To that end, we have agreed to advance necessary cooperation in a specific manner.”