Japan, Mekong States Seek Closer Ties Amid South China Sea Spats
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Japan and five countries bordering the South China Sea pledged to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight amid rising tensions over China’s build-up of reefs in disputed waters.
Japan and the so-called Mekong region nations called for swift agreement on a code of conduct, reiterating their concern over “recent developments” that they said may undermine the region’s stability in a joint statement issued Saturday. Separately, the government in Tokyo will provide 750 billion yen ($6.1 billion) over three years to develop infrastructure and conserve the environment.