US-Japan-Philippines; Overcapacity; US-China flights; Fishing; Open source translations
Summary of today’s Essential Eight:
US-Japan-Philippines Trilateral - Among many interesting items, the joint statement says that “We reiterate serious concern over the PRC’s repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and the disruption of supply lines to Second Thomas Shoal, which constitute dangerous and destabilizing conduct. The final and legally binding July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal determined that this feature lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and we call on the PRC to abide by the ruling.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaction to Kishida visit - Mao Ning said that “The US and Japan have misrepresented the facts, violated China’s territorial sovereignty and breached international law and basic norms in international relations. They pose the real threat to regional peace and stability.” Does anyone know which international law the US and Japan have violated here? Beijing is unhappy because Japan has made a fundament…