MANILA, Philippines—Instead of hitting back at a Global Times editorial which called for economic sanctions against the Philippines, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has urged Beijing anew to fully concur with Manila’s stated position on the West Philippine Sea (or South China issue). That is, resolving the Spratlys dispute peacefully in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention the Law of the Sea, or Unclos.
Contacted in Iraq where he is on an official visit, Del Rosario said on Sunday night the government was “certain China will fully concur with our stated position” on the issue.
“Our relations with China as we had said before should be governed by mutual respect, equality and observance of each other’s sovereignty,” the Department of Foreign Affairs chief told the INQUIRER.
Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesperson, did not comment further. “Let Secretary Del Rosario’s comment stand on its own,” Hernandez said.
A recent editorial in the Global Times, published by the Communist Party of China mouthpiece People’s Daily, said China should impose sanctions against the Philippines after the latter offered to allow more US troops on its soil.
It also said Beijing “must respond” to the move by using its “leverage to cut economic activities” between the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.
China should also consider “cooling down” business links with Manila, asserted the editorial published in the Chinese and English versions of the newspaper.
“It should show China’s neighboring areas that balancing China by siding with the US is not a good choice. Well-measured sanctions against the Philippines will make it ponder the choice of losing a friend such as China and being a vain partner of the US,” it also said in the statement which came out during the north Asian country’s week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The Philippines and China, as well as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, have rival claims to parts of the West Philippine Sea, home to the some of the world’s most important shipping lanes and believed to hold vast deposits of fossil fuel.
Manila and Hanoi recently complained of what they claimed were increasingly aggressive acts by China in the disputed waters.
The alleged acts included a Chinese naval ship firing warning shots at Filipino fishermen, fueling fears among some nations in the region about China as its military, political and economic strength grows.
Washington has planned to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region in a strategic shift that angered Beijing.
In late October, the DFA chief dismissed as “grossly irresponsible” a Global Times warning that nations involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea should “mentally prepare for the sounds of cannons” if they remained at loggerheads with China.
Del Rosario also pointed out that the statement was “in contrast with the Philippine position which seeks an Unclos-based solution to the West Philippine Sea issue.”
In a strongly worded editorial published in its Chinese and English editions, the Global Times accused the Philippines and Vietnam of taking advantage of China’s “mild diplomatic stance” to push their own agenda.
If these countries don’t change their ways with China, they will need to mentally prepare for the sounds of cannon. We need to be ready for that, as it may be the only way for the disputes in the seas to be resolved,” the paper said, adding “if the situation turns ugly, some military action (by China) is necessary.”
Earlier in a text message, Del Rosario said “as close friends with incredible people-to-people ties, China and the Philippines are endeavoring to manage whatever challenges there are in a constructive manner on the basis of equality, respect and understanding.”
“For the record, we do place great value in our relations with China,” he also said.
The Philippines, he noted, is “working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to have the elements of our actionable framework towards segregating the disputed from the undisputed areas to be included in the drafting of the Code of Conduct (among Spratlys claimant-countries). We are also exploring how best to pursue a dispute settlement mechanism among the options offered under Unclos for the purpose of validating our claim.”
In another text message, Del Rosario pointed out that Manila and Beijing “have had a long standing friendship.”
“However, even true friends encounter challenges, which serve to test their relationship,” he added.