Despite China’s call for a peaceful dialogue to resolve the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the Philippines will continue to push for the legally binding Code of Conduct on the South China Sea between the Asean and China.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Charles Jose said on Tuesday that it has already given its position to call on China to respect the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal which is expected to be released early this year.
But China reiterated that it will not participate in the tribunal proceedings.
“The DFA secretary already gave its statement. We’re not reacting anymore,” Jose said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, in his statement, said that the Philippines has had countless meetings with China to try to address the issue but to no avail.
“We have had countless meetings with China to try to address the issue between the two of us to no avail. We have invited China many times to join us in arbitration as early as 2012, again to no avail,” Del Rosario said.
“China has adequate international legal evidence to not accept nor participate in the South China Sea arbitration case lodged by the Philippines. This stance is clear and consistent. The essence of the China-Philippines dispute over the South China Sea is the dispute over territorial sovereignty and marine demarcation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the waters, through which about $5 trillion in trade is shipped every year.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang said 2016 is the first year for the two countries to implement the agreement to elevate their bilateral relationship to an all-round partnership, as was decided during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Singapore last November.
He said the two sides will ensure the success of their third government-to-government project”•the Chongqing Interconnectivity and Logistics Initiative.
Wang said China hopes and believes that Singapore will continue to play a constructive and positive role in maintaining stability and security in the region, especially when it comes to the South China Sea.
But the DFA reiterared that the issue on the territorial dispute should be settled in a legal way, through the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea where China is a signatory.
“If China does not heed our collective call, does it mean that China considers itself above the law?,” the DFA added.
Wang said the South China Sea is not an issue between China and the Asean, and many Asean countries do not wish to see specific forces expanding specific matters.
“China’s position remains unchanged. We will continue to proceed with the dual-track approach, and to promote our cooperation and contact with the countries concerned,” said Wang.
“We believe that the specific disputes should be settled by the countries directly involved through dialogue and negotiation. This is also what has been stipulated in Article Four of the DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea). At the same time, China and Asean countries, as bordering countries of the South China Sea, will continue to maintain peace and stability, including safeguarding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” he added.
Wang also said the two sides should work together to conclude negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement between China and Singapore.
The Philippines urged China, as a responsible member of the international community, to respect a forthcoming decision by an arbitration court in the Hague on a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.