Japan, Malaysia affirm stance on East Sea issue

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak affirmed their common stance on territorial disputes in the East Sea on November 16.

 In a press briefing following their talks in Tokyo, Abe said both sides underscored the importance of self-restraint and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Malaysia, along with three other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei - are among the countries contesting territorial claims with China in the East Sea. China claims nearly the entire body of water as its territory.

Japan and Malaysia signed an agreement in which Tokyo will provide Kuala Lumpur with two decommissioned patrol vessels from the Japan Coast Guard.

Previously, Japan also handed over patrol vessels to Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam in an effort to strengthen their maritime security.

It is the fourth Japan visit by Najib since taking office in 2009.

VNA