UK backs rules-based solution to West Philippine Sea disputes

From InterAksyon (Jan 31): UK backs rules-based solution to West Philippine Sea disputes

The United Kingdom on Thursday backed a growing international clamor for the territorial row in the South China Sea to be resolved based on rule of law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

British Foreign Minister William Hague, who is in the country for a one-day visit, also urged all parties to the disputes to “seek peaceful and cooperative solutions” in resource-rich waters being claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

“In the international system and within states themselves, a principled and rules-based approach will be critical to stability and growth in the long term,” Hague told diplomats and government officials during a foreign policy speech in Makati City.

“I assure you we will always encourage not only here but all over the world, we encourage a rules-based rather than power-based solution to the disputes,” Hague said in a statement that reflects the increasing international concern over the long-running territorial row, the need to prevent the conflict into turning violent and an assurance of unimpeded access in the busy sealanes.

Tensions spiked anew in waters after China imposed a fishing restriction against foreign vessels over nearly the entire South China Sea.

Parts of the waters that fall under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone have been renamed West Philippine Sea by Manila. China has declared undisputed claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, saying it has ancient maps and documents to prove its assertion.

The maritime row was among the several issues taken up by Hague and his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario during their meeting.

Del Rosario said he and Hague agreed that countries “should desist from taking actions that affect peace, security and stability in the region.”

“We further agreed on the importance of maritime security, freedom of navigation, non-use of force and the threat of the use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes to peace and prosperity in the region,” Del Rosario told an earlier press conference with Hague in Manila.

Del Rosario thanked the U.K. for its support in the Philippines’ pursuit of a rules-based solution to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

UNCLOS is a 1982 accord by 163 countries that governs the use of offshore areas and sets territorial limits of coastal states. The Philippines and China are both signatories to the treaty.

The U.K., Hague said, does not take sides on the territorial rifts, but noted that his country would “want to see peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance to international law.”

Manila last year posed a legal challenge against China’s massive claim before a Netherlands-based tribunal.

Beijing refused to participate in the proceedings, saying the Philippine claims are groundless and lack legal merit.

Hague said the Philippines is entitled to pursue legal remedy against China and that the U.K. is following the progress of the case closely.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79810/uk-backs-rules-based-solution-to-west-philippine-sea-disputes