(VOVworld) – Filipino and Japanese lawmakers agreed Wednesday to push for a peaceful solution to maritime disputes in Asia based on international law.

Japanese lawmaker Hiroshi Nakada (Photo: iisd.ca)

A group of 6 Japanese lawmakers visiting the Philippines and 13 Filipino lawmakers signed a Joint Document for Cooperation on Promotion of the Rule of Law at Sea. The document calls for the establishment of a lawmakers’ alliance on maritime security in Asia to protect and promote maritime order based on international law. Both sides recognize that when it comes to maritime claims, countries should make and clarify their claims based on international law and should not use force or coercion in pursuing their claims.