Japan wary of Philippine pivot to China

The Philippines’ newly found affection for China has sparked concern in Japan that it would embolden the Asian giant to expand more aggressively in the South China Sea. Japan has worked with the U.S. and others to pressure China to accept an international arbitration ruling in July that rejected Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea. The ruling involved a case brought by the Philippines, but Manila has downplayed the decision in its favor. Image: Cikimedia Commons “The South China Sea is an extremely important issue that directly affects the peace and prosperity of the region,” Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters Thursday in response to the China-Philippines summit held that day. “We want to work with other countries, including the Philippines, in order to formulate a strong response.” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has insisted that the South China Sea is a vital route for Japan, and he has...