Duterte, Japan PM Suga discuss COVID-19 crisis, South China Sea in phone call

President Rodrigo Duterte and Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Monday discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, the South China Sea dispute, and developments in bilateral relations, Malacañang said Tuesday.

The President thanked Japan for its $3.16-million emergency assistance, two substantial loans for the Philippines’ pandemic recovery efforts, and for facilitating the repatriation of 3,852 Filipinos from Japan during the global health crisis, according to Duterte’s office.

“The support of Japan raises our optimism and confidence in containing the pandemic and steering our economy back onto its growth trajectory,” the President said during the telephone conversation.

Duterte also “noted the growing maritime security and defense cooperation” between the Philippines and Japan, as he exchanged views with Suga on issues such as the South China Sea and the situation in the Korean Peninsula.

Over the years, China, which insisted on historical and indisputable claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, has expanded its presence in the waters, turning several former reefs into artificial islands with military facilities, runways, and surface to air missiles.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 invalidated China's sweeping claim following a lawsuit filed by the Philippines.

Japan, meanwhile, is locked in a dispute with China over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea administered by Tokyo.

“Suga conveyed Japan’s interest to work closely with the Philippines to promote a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific,’” the Palace said.

Duterte extended his appreciation for Japan’s support for the peace and development agenda in Mindanao and the administration’s Build, Build, Build program.

“The 36-kilometer Metro Manila Subway will commence partial operations by 2022. The first of its kind in the Philippines, it will be an important crowning achievement of our cooperation during my term,” the President said. 

He also asked Suga, who assumed the premiership in September, to visit the Philippines as soon as circumstances allow.

“Japan is a valued partner of the Philippines. As a friend closer than a brother, ours is an exemplary partnership that has withstood the test of time,” Duterte said.

The Philippines and Japan will mark 65 years of diplomatic ties in 2021.—AOL, GMA News