China wants agreement to implement West Philippine Sea declaration

President Benigno  Aquino and China's President Hu Jintao witness the signing of an agreement between the Philippines and People’s Republic of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.  EDWIN BACASMAS

BEIJING — China wants an implementing agreement for the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday night.

In an informal talk with reporters to cap his hectic schedule that day, President Aquino said he tackled the issue of the West Philippine Sea with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

While there remains no consensus between the two countries on the issue over disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea, President Aquino said the respective positions were no longer as far apart as before.

“Well, previous to this, it appeared all of the incidents between us and them, Vietnam, made people pause. But, at least, that adherence to the Declaration of the Code of Conduct — they actually even responded that there should be an implementing agreement already for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea,” President Aquino said.

“So that is very significant because before it was a general statement of principles. Now, it seems there’s a desire to really put in the implementing rules and regulations,” he added.