The Philippines and Japan have agreed to work closely to advance a “rules-based” regime to maintain stability and security in the region amid sea disputes, President Duterte disclosed Thursday night. As this developed, Malacañang said yesterday the Chinese Coast Guard left Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal days after the President told Filipino fishermen to wait a few days before they could enter the country’s traditional fishing ground again. In a speech upon his arrival from Japan after a three-day official visit, the President said the two countries’ push for a peaceful settlement of the territorial disputes in the region, including the row over the South China Sea was based on their shared “values of democracy, adherence to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes.”

Regalado, E., Nilles, G., Cervantes, D., & Sy, M. (2016, October 29). Phl, Japan agree on peaceful resolution of sea dispute. The Philippine Star, p. 2.