U.S. Navy patrols in South China Sea not an issue, says President Aquino

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): U.S. Navy patrols in South China Sea not an issue, says President Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday he sees no issue in the passage of a United States Navy destroyer near man-made islands in the South China Sea, so long as the warship stays within the limits of international waters and has no hostile intention.

The President made the comment on reports that an American warship was on its way to the South China Sea to test the principle of freedom of navigation, during the annual Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) forum, held at the Solaire Resort in Parañaque City.

President Aquino said his secretary of defense has informed him that there was no official announcement from the US regarding the particular voyage.

“But the position is, freedom of navigation has been expounded and propounded by all parties to the issues of the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea and everybody seems to be guaranteeing freedom of navigation,” he said.

"So I see no issue as to this US naval ship traversing under international law in waters that should be free to be traveled upon by any non-belligerent country."

Asked if the government supports the US' move in the contested territory, the Chief Executive said the Philippines has raised its concerns about the build-up of islands in the South China Sea.

"We have voiced our concern about the issues that confront the South China Sea in the sense that we have about 40 percent of world trade that has to traverse this particular body of water," he said.

"We have expressed publicly on numerous occasions our concern that any movement through this particular body of water should not be hampered by any entity," he said, adding that the Philippines has even gone to the extent of filing a case at the international arbitral tribunal to resolve the longstanding issue.

He pointed out that the general principle that freedom of navigation should not be impeded applies to everyone, and not just the Americans.

The President further said that the US could do more patrols in the area, so long as its activity conforms with international law and does not intend to provoke anyone.

Asked if the Philippines’ support for the US patrols would affect its case in the international tribunal, President Aquino said that expressing support for the established norms of international behavior should not negatively affect the country.

Changing the rules without any consultation, negotiation, or agreement is the wrong behavior to undertake, he added.

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