Amid the concerns over the West Philippine Sea, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has expressed support for President Duterte’s stance, aired before the United Nations General Assembly last year, that the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claims in disputed waters should be respected in the international arena. According to Malacañang, Suga “expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ principled position clearly articulated by President Duterte during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.”

Mendez, C. (2021, May 20). Japan PM backs Rody on WPS. The Philippine Star, p. 2.