A Vietnamese delegate discusses with international experts at the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue (Photo: Quynh Hoa – Thanh Huyen)

In a session on the US and security in the Asia-Pacific region on Saturday, US Secretary of Defence James Mattis said the US is committed to respecting and maintaining  a rule-based international order. Mr. Mattis said Washington does not accept China’s militarization and weapon deployments on illegally occupied entities in the East Sea. The US will also help protect maritime and aviation freedom in the East Sea, Secretary Mattis said, adding that any actions that change the status-quo in the East Sea are against international law.

Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada said the ruling of the Court of Arbitration related to the Philippines’ lawsuit must be legally binding to related parties.

The session also focused on North Koea’ nuclear issue, ASEAN’s role, and security challenges in East Asian countries.