PHL welcomes talks on Code of Conduct on West Philippine Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): PHL welcomes talks on Code of Conduct on West Philippine Sea

The Philippines welcomed the recent developments in the discussions between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China with regards to the crafting of the legally binding Code of Conduct in the West China Sea.

Foreign ministers discussing the COC seemed to believe that the talks in the recent months have moved towards the Code of Conduct, Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said in a press briefing at the Times Hotel here.

“There has been some progress, but it’s difficult to say when we can expect something to happen, because as you know these things do take time. They have taken more than 10 years, about 11 years. We’re just happy to note that all sides seem to be reporting some progress on these talks,” Carandang said.

And if ever the ASEAN comes up with a Code of Conduct that is binding among its members, China should not be forced to adopt it because it is an active participant in the discussions.

“We presume that any Code of Conduct that is agreed upon by all parties would include China,” Carandang said, adding that the Philippines is glad that despite all of the tensions arising China continues to participate in the talks for the COC,” Carandang said.

“And that shows us they are also committed to preventing tensions from escalating in the region,” he added.

ASEAN members have been discussing the adoption of the legally binding COC to eventually settle conflicting claims in the West Philippines Sea.

In 2002, the regional grouping, together with China agreed on the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to avoid tensions in the disputed territory.

The West Philippine Sea, a major sea lane for trade, is believed to be rich in mineral resources, making it a flashpoint in the region.

Among the claimant countries include China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574627