Japan PM opposes any step to heighten South China Sea tension

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday Tokyo opposes any steps to raise tension in the South China Sea, and that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. "Regarding the South China Sea issue, it is important for all countries concerned not to rely on force or threat but to work toward peaceful resolution based on international law," Suga said.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday Tokyo opposes any steps to raise tension in the South China Sea, and that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. "Japan strongly opposes any behavior that heightens tension in the South China Sea," Suga said in his speech in Hanoi.

Vietnam and some other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members have territorial feuds with China in vital South China Sea waterways. "Regarding the South China Sea issue, it is important for all countries concerned not to rely on force or threat but to work toward a peaceful resolution based on international law," Suga said.