Let’s discuss Spratlys, PH urges Asean

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has called on the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) anew to hold a meeting of Spratlys claimant-countries, including China, to resolve the conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario sounded the call during the just-concluded Asean foreign ministers meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

In a statement, Del Rosario said Asean was “at a critical juncture of playing a momentous role in the resolution of the disputes in the West Philippine Sea” based on the rules-based regime of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos.

“We must now muster the will as an Asean community to face these sensitive issues with determination,” he said.

“It behooves member-states to now play a positive and meaningful role to solve the disputes peacefully in accordance with the (Asean) Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and reach a stage whereby we are able to help resolve sensitive issues decisively without letting such issues fester and adversely affect the progress of our bilateral or multilateral relations,” Del Rosario said.

The secretary noted that “in the context of the Philippine position and the background on this issue, the Philippines reiterates its proposal that a meeting be held as soon as possible among claimant-states, including China, under the guidance of Asean to resolve the conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea based on the rules-based regime of Unclos.”

“This proposal for constructive engagement should be acceptable to all,” he added.

Del Rosario had made the same proposal in November last year.

“Thus far, we are pleased that fellow Asean member-states support the rules-based approach, which essentially calls for solving the issue peacefully in accordance with the rule of law, particularly Unclos, and the multilateral participation of various stakeholders to account for the various perspectives and interests,” he said.

“These principles are the very bedrock of our international order,” he added.