China wants Spratlys pact ‘in black and white’
BEIJING—China wants an implementing agreement for the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), President Aquino told reporters on Wednesday night.
Mr. Aquino raised territorial issues over the group of islets in the West Philippine Sea with Chinese President Hu Jintao during their bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday afternoon.
“When I got (to the presidency), there is a declaration and there’s no implementing (agreement). Now, you have a statement from the superpower of the bloc saying, ‘Let’s put (in) black and white exactly how to implement this,’” he said in an informal talk with reporters.
Mr. Aquino said these were not the exact words that the Chinese side used. But these expressed the need for a Code of Conduct that “guides everybody as to how to behave within these disputed territories,” he 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.
No consensus but…
The President said that while there was no consensus between the two countries on the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea, their respective positions were no longer as far apart as before.
“Well, our positions previous to this were really so disparate. They were too far apart. But in this particular instance, there was that adherence to peaceful means, getting our people to talk together fully to come to a common framework of resolving the issue,” he said.
China, the Philippines and four other countries claim in whole and in part the Spratlys, a group of islets believed to contain oil and gas deposits.
Asked whether a joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea was discussed at the bilateral meeting, Mr. Aquino said, “I’ll have to consult my notes. But, of course, that might be one of the things that was said in passing.
“Isn’t it that always the devil is in the details and the details will have to be worked out by a level lower than us. And, at this point, there’s nothing concrete. I don’t think it’s proper for me to say we’re embarking on this or embarking on that,” he said.
A day after meeting with Hu, Mr. Aquino met with Premier Wen Jiabao.
“It is important to view and manage this relationship from strategic and long-term perspective and properly handle the disagreements between us because that will help shape favorable atmosphere and sustain the growth of our bilateral ties,” Wen told Mr. Aquino.
Wen also cited the agreements reached during the Philippine President’s state visit.
“These agreements must be fully implemented and today, I’m happy to have this opportunity to have an exchange of views with you on those major issues of mutual interest,” Wen added.
Mr. Aquino agreed that there should be strengthened friendship between the two countries.
“We acknowledge and we are fortunate for the friendship that China has bestowed on our country,” he said.
Mr. Aquino also met with Chinese business groups and visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
