Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Calls for United Stance in South China Sea Disputes – Sky Bulletin
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In a recent move, Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has called upon neighboring countries to consolidate their stance in the South China Sea disputes and adhere more strictly to the rule of law. This plea was made during a maritime cooperation forum at a summit for Southeast Asian leaders held in Melbourne, Australia.
The contentious issue of China’s assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea, which has seen conflict with other nations’ claims, has become a primary focus of the summit’s agenda.
Manalo drew attention to the 2016 arbitration ruling by The Hague, which dismissed Beijing’s expansive claims in the maritime region. Despite China’s refusal to recognize the ruling, the Philippines stands by it as a victory for the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Emphasizing the collective responsibility of regional nations, Manalo stated, “The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all.”
He continued to affirm that unified opposition against actions that defy international law is necessary for safeguarding the region’s stability.
China’s territorial sovereignty claims over nearly the entire South China Sea have led to tensions with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei who also have stakes in the area’s islands, reefs, and subsea resources.
Manalo urged for regional cooperation and diplomacy rather than confrontation and threats of force.
Highlighting the importance of unity, he remarked, “For the South China Sea and the seas and oceans of the Indo-Pacific to be unifying domains of peace, stability and prosperity, we need to gather more strongly around the collective responsibility as well as a shared sense of stewardship.”
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong supported Manalo’s views, accentuating the necessity for the ASEAN member states present at the Melbourne summit to protect and foster established rules and international law to avert conflict and foster strategic trust.
While recognizing the link between shared prosperity and peace, Wong also noted that prosperity alone cannot ensure peace, pointing out the severity of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine as examples of the catastrophic impact of major regional conflicts.
As part of efforts to promote security and prosperity, Wong announced Australia’s commitment of 40 million Australian dollars ($26 million) towards maritime partnership enhancement in the region.
As a testament to growing cooperation, Australia and the Philippines had their inaugural joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea in November.
Amidst these developments, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed Manalo that China will persist with military pressure in the South China Sea. He warned that China would strongly defend its rights if the Philippines, either singly or with external parties, continued to stir up trouble in the region.
China’s intimidating stance follows incidents where its coast guard and maritime militia obstructed Philippine supply missions to military and civilian outposts.
FAQs
What is the South China Sea dispute?
The South China Sea dispute involves overlapping territorial and maritime claims by several countries in Southeast Asia, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. It is a contentious issue owing to the region’s strategic importance and vast natural resources.
What did the 2016 arbitration ruling at The Hague say?
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s claims to territorial rights over much of the South China Sea based on the “nine-dash line”. However, China rejected the ruling and continued to assert its claims.
What is the significance of the Philippines’ stance?
As one of the nations directly affected by China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, the Philippines’ call for unity and adherence to international law highlights the importance of a cooperative and lawful approach to resolving these disputes.
How has Australia been involved in the South China Sea issue?
Australia has been voicing concerns about freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and has recently conducted joint patrols with the Philippines. Furthermore, Australia is investing in maritime partnerships in the region to enhance security and prosperity.
What was China’s response to the call for unity in the South China Sea?
China has maintained that it will continue to exert military pressure in the South China Sea and has warned the Philippines against cooperation with outside forces, stating that it would respond resolutely to defend its rights.
Conclusion
The South China Sea remains a complex geopolitical challenge with significant global implications. The Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo’s call for a unified stance among its neighbors underscores the region’s desire for stability, peace, and adherence to international law faced with China’s assertive territorial claims. It is crucial for the international community to monitor the situation closely and support efforts that aim towards peaceful resolution and maintaining the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most vital waterways.
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