New Delhi: India and Japan today asked all parties involved in the South China Sea row to resolve the dispute through peaceful means without threat or use of force and “show utmost respect” for the verdict of a UN-backed tribunal.

At a meeting between Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani here, the two countries called for stronger international partnership in combating terrorism due to its evolving character.

They also decided to explore setting up of a maritime strategic dialogue between their Defence Ministers.

Parrikar and Nakatani recognised that security and stability in the seas connecting Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean are indispensable for peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

The ministers expressed concern over recent developments in this regard, according to a joint statement released by the Japanese Embassy after the delegation level talks.

They reaffirmed the importance of respecting international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), for the peaceful settlement of disputes without any threat or use of force, and of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and over-flight as well as unimpeded lawful commerce in international waters, it added.

In this context, they urged all parties to show utmost respect for the award of the arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea under UNCLOS on July 12.

The tribunal ruled that China has no legal basis to claim “historic rights” to islands in South China Sea.

The statement said there was shared recognition that imperatives of a stronger bilateral strategic partnership require deep and broad-based cooperation and concrete actions in defence and security fields.

The two countries can work together to respond to global and regional challenges and jointly contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

The Ministers exchanged views and ideas on a wide range of issues pertaining to the current regional and international security situation as well as deepening of bilateral defence cooperation and exchanges, the statement said.

They also explained to each other their respective defence policies to promote mutual understanding.