PH sustains diplomatic approach to deescalate tensions in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2024): PH sustains diplomatic approach to deescalate tensions in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

DIPLOMATIC APPROACH. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose joins the post-SONA discussion session on Good Governance, Peace and Order, and Security on Wednesday (July 24, 2024). Jose said the Philippines will continue pursuing a diplomatic approach and uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea. (Photo courtesy of RTVM)

MANILA – The Philippines will continue pursuing a diplomatic approach and uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as it expounds on the Marcos administration’s work to defend the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful means.

Following the third State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose said the Philippines will not waver in pursuing the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law in the area.

“In the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine position remains firm. We will continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones and find ways forward through diplomacy and dialogue pursuant to what the President articulated during the SONA,” he said in the post-SONA discussions on Wednesday.

“We are committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through international law. Our actions will continue to be firmly anchored on the rules-based international order that is governed by international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” he added.

Jose cited as example the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting with China, which provided the momentum for a series of consultations that led to the recently concluded “Arrangement on the Principles and Approaches” that will be observed during the Philippines' resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

The official said this understanding, reached without prejudicing the Philippine and Chinese positions over the South China Sea, is a “positive contribution to deescalate tensions” in the region.

Marcos in his SONA on Monday said the Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its maritime rights.

He maintained that the West Philippine Sea, which refers to the maritime areas of the country in the South China Sea, is no mere figment of imagination.

“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas (The West Philippine Sea is not just a figment of imagination. It is ours. And it will remain ours as long as our love for our country, the Philippines, remains ablaze),” Marcos said.

Manila-based geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill of the De La Salle University said Marcos has successfully articulated that the Philippines’ position in the region is rooted on facts.

“By stating that the WPS is not a figment of imagination, the president sent a strong message to China who claims a large percentage of our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) based on a historical basis that is not grounded on international law. The WPS is rooted on facts and on international law,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

“While empowering the military, the president reiterated the continuous goal of resolving disputes through peaceful means and based on international law- another veiled hit at China which has been pursuing its expansionist ambitions by breaking principles enshrined under UNCLOS and disregarding the 2016 Arbitral Ruling,” he added.

The Philippines, China and several other coastal states have overlapping territorial claims over the South China Sea.

Beijing continues to reject the UNCLOS-based arbitration award insisting on its claims over the vast trade route, including the country’s waters within the West Philippine Sea.

Preparing for ASEAN 2026

On the multilateral arena, Jose said the Philippines is preparing to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the next two years.

This as Marcos emphasized that peace and community-building would be the Philippines’ clarion call, especially when the country serves as chair and the host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.

The ASEAN National Organizing Council or ASEAN NOC, Jose said, is leading the preparations to ensure the orderly and seamless hosting of the landmark event.

Jose likewise highlighted the country’s selection as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

“Through this mechanism, the Philippines will continue to leverage its leadership in climate action and its goodwill with developing nations in promoting climate equity,” he said.

He also noted the adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of the Philippine-led resolution titled “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers.”

This resolution is the first-ever on this subject to be introduced and adopted in the UNHRC.

“Rest assured that in the pursuit of the national interest, the DFA will continue to strengthen national security, contribute to economic growth, and protect the interest and welfare of overseas Filipinos through the strategic conduct of diplomacy,” Jose said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229754