Philippine move in Spratlys dispute backed

From the Manila Times (Feb 16): Philippine move in Spratlys dispute backed

IN order to resolve its territorial dispute with the Philippines, China should join in the arbitration process before the United Nations (UN), a group of European Union (EU) lawmakers visiting the country said on Friday.

In siding the Philippines’ move to bring the territorial conflict before a UN body, the EU lawmakers described this as a good move and could prevent a military conflict between two countries.

EU delegation chairman Wer­ner Langen said that the union fully supports the government’s action aimed at resolving the conflict peacefully.

“It is in the interest of all the EU states that through the adherence to international agreements we solve these questions and solve the question of natural resources,” Langen said.

The Philippines has brought China’s alleged “illegal” expansive claim to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) before the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

China was given until February 21 to issue a declaration if it wanted to participate in the resolution of the case before the Unclos.

The union delegation is in the country for a five-day visit to witness the economic and social developments of the Philippines, where they met with government officials and legislators.

To be recalled, China and the Philippines have been engaged in a standoff in the West Philippine Sea, which prompted the government to bring the case before a UN body.

Besides China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia are also claiming the disputed territory.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/41568-philippine-move-in-spratlys-dispute-backed