Zubiri pushes for PH, China maritime code of conduct to end WPS row

A Philippine supply boat sails near a Chinese Coast Guard ship during a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the South China Sea, Oct. 4, 2023. (REUTERS FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines —  Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said it would be best for the Philippines and China to come up with a maritime code of conduct as a step in putting an end to the West Philippine Sea row.

“Even on a bilateral basis, I think we should have some sort of Code of Conduct with them. So that they would not block our supply mission [to the BRP Sierra Madre] and let our fisherfolk live in peace and make their livelihood [in the West Philippine Sea],” Zubiri, speaking partly in Filipino, told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) on Saturday.

He pointed out that the Philippines has “friendly relations” with the armed forces and coast guards of all member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“So we would like to have that same treatment with China – I hope it’s possible so we can always respect each other,” Zubiri said.

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APPF resolution on maritime row adopted

Chinese parliamentarians, during the 31st APPF hosted by the Philippines, have agreed to adopt a resolution seeking to maintain peace in seas in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Zubiri said he was delighted by China’s change in stance.

Delegates from China previously blocked the resolutions proposed by Indonesia and the Philippines due to provisions that encourage unwavering commitment to international laws, including UNCLOS.

“We are very happy that the delegation from China graciously accepted our proposed amendment. Initially, they did not want to have any mention of UNCLOS and freedom of navigation, but [the delegates from China] later on agreed,” Zubiri said.

While it did not specifically mention the Philippines’ stand on the West Philippine Sea row, Zubiri explained that it was already a “key essential statement” for China to recognize and agree to the inclusion of UNCLOS and freedom of navigation in the resolution.