Thailand supports PH’s call for peaceful resolution of South China Sea rows
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Thailand supported the Philippines’ call for a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea Friday after meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.
Acting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo came to the Philippines Friday and met with del Rosario where they discussed bilateral relations.
“The two sides exchanged views on the situation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and reaffirmed their commitment for the expeditious conclusion of a code of conduct and a peaceful resolution of the disputes,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The maritime disputes in the South China Sea stem from China’s nine-dash line claim which covers nearly the entire region including portions of the Philippines’ 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Respective maritime territories of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan are also included in China’s claim.
Member states of the Association on Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have been pushing for a legally binding Code of Conduct as a way to prevent China from pushing further with its territorial claims.
The Philippines challenged China’s claim when it filed an arbitration case before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea which China has refused to participate in.
The acting Thai Foreign Minister also briefed del Rosario on the current political situation in Thailand and presented their three-step roadmap for the restoration of democracy.
“Del Rosario expressed hope for the success of the national reconciliation process in Thailand consistent with democratic principles, the rule of law, and the will and interest of the Thai people,” the statement said.
Thailand is in transition after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted over allegations of abuse of power and that she was a puppet for her brother, ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
