MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 4, 2013) – The Philippines recourse to arbitration is an open and friendly attempt to find a durable solution to the increasing tension in the South China Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said.
“From the Philippine perspective, a rules-based approach in the management and resolution of disputes in the South China Sea has two complementary elements – first, the early conclusion of a legally-binding and substantive COC, envisaged in the ASEAN-China DOC; and second, third party arbitration of maritime disputes under UNCLOS,” Del Rosario said in his address during the 20th ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan,
But Del Rosario said it is unfortunate that member states declined the Philippine invitation to join in this arbitration. He said while all parties are undertaking to expeditiously pursue the conclusion of a Code of Conduct , they must comply in utmost good faith with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety.
“More important than joint cooperative undertakings, the DOC’s core principles are peaceful settlement of disputes, restraint in the conduct of parties, the non-use of force, respect for international law including UNCLOS, and non-occupation of unoccupied rocks, reefs, shoals and other features in the South China Sea,” Del Rosario stressed.
He added that the Philippines is encouraged with the discussions at the recent ASEAN-China Post Ministerial Conference in Bandar Seri Begawan on 30 June on the need to conclude the COC envisaged in the DOC as soon as possible.
“We look forward to the start of official consultations towards this end at the 6th ASEAN-China SOM (Senior Officials’ Meeting) and the 9th JWG (Joint Working Group) on the Implementation of the DOC this coming September. The Philippines is fully committed to work with all ASEAN members in partnership with China,” Del Rosario said.
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