PHL criticizes visit of Taiwan leader to South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): PHL criticizes visit of Taiwan leader to South China Sea

The Philippines on Thursday criticized the visit of outgoing Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou to Itu Aba in the South China Sea as it could further fuel tension in the disputed waters.

Reports said Ma flew to the Taiwan-claimed island on Thursday morning and is scheduled to hold a press briefing upon his return to Taipei.

The US government already expressed disappointment over the trip, saying such move will not help ease tension in the area where several Asian nations have overlapping claims.

"We remind all parties concerned of our shared responsibility to refrain from actions that can increase tension in the South China Sea," the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The Philippines and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic ties because of the 'One-China Policy', which prevents countries from recognizing the self-ruling democratic island as a state.

However, the DFA’s rare statement on Taiwan highlights its concern on the visit that came amid rising tensions in the area, where it says Beijing wants to fully control.

Over the last few years, China, which claims the South China Sea nearly in its entirety, has engaged in massive reclamation transforming submerged reefs into man-made islands, triggering concerns also from Philippine allies, such as the US and Japan.

Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims to the waters, which is home to possible rich oil, gas and mineral deposits aside from a major trading route.

The Philippines hopes the arbitration case it filed against China before a The Hague tribunal will invalidate China's claim. A final ruling is expected in the first half of this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851413