FMJ hits 'dangerous' use of coast guard ships
By Nidz Godino
"Philippines fully supports adherence to international law and rules-based order…we must oppose dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in South China Sea…we are concerned over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and militarization of reclaimed features in South China Sea," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said at 18th East Asia With Beijing's muscle-flexing in South China Sea becoming more brazen, he has called on leaders of East Asia to act on "dangerous use" of coast guard and maritime militia vessels by Chinese.
FMJ issued call month after Chinese coast guard ship blasted Filipino vessel with water cannon as latter was delivering provisions to Philippine military outpost on grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, within country's territorial waters.
Summit is attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and US Vice President Kamala Harris.
"We are concerned over consistent actions in violation of obligations under international law, including 1982 UNCLOS ,United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and under DOC ,Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea," FMJ said.
He relayed same message during ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit last Wednesday.
"Philippines remains resolute towards peaceful resolution of disputes…we continue to support freedom of navigation and overflight, and rules-based international order in South China Sea, We must not allow tensions in the South China Sea to further escalate…in this spirit and in accordance with DOC, we continue to urge all parties to exercise self-restraint and refrain from unilateral and assertive activities that would increase tensions in the region, misunderstandings, and miscalculations in South China Sea," he said.
FMJ said Philippines remains resolved in ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes and continues to support freedom of navigation and overflight and rules-based international order in the region.
He has also recognized New Delhi's effort to support regional bloc in calling for peace and stability in South China Sea.
"Allow me also to begin by thanking India for supporting ASEAN during last Non-Aligned Movement Meeting, where India stood in solidarity with ASEAN, especially on our call to factually update paragraphs on South China Sea in NAM ministerial outcome document, we both envision progressive Indo-Pacific encompasses maritime cooperation to ensure sustainable use of maritime resources particularly in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, promoting blue economy, and mitigating maritime pollution, among others," FMJ said.
Vietnam has expressed hope for Philippines' participation in multilateral mechanism for preventing hostilities or untoward incidents in South China Sea.
"We also look forward to working closely with Philippines in constant coordination," Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said citing memorandum of agreement on prevention and management of incidents in South China Sea during his bilateral meeting with President Marcos on sidelines of 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Vietnamese leader also pushed for an intensified maritime cooperation between Manila and Hanoi, two of six claimants in South China Sea.
Other parties in longstanding maritime row are Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and China, with latter claiming almost entire resource-rich waters. Arbitral court in The Hague voided China's expansive maritime claim in 2016 but Chinese government does not recognize ruling.
At 18th East Asia Summit, FMJ highlighted need to create conditions for diplomatic solutions to problems of nuclear threats stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's ballistic missile test. He said "buildup of rising powers in global weapon stockpiles," poses "undue dangers to global peace and security."
"We call on DPRK ,Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions towards realization of lasting peace and stability in denuclearized Korean Peninsula," he said, referring to North Korea by its official name.
With regard to war in Ukraine, FMJ said Philippines has consistently reaffirmed its support for principles and purposes of UN Charter, especially on sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.
"Philippines firmly believes it is now necessary to create conditions for diplomatic solution to conflict in Ukraine…we call on all countries to play constructive role in contributing to this endeavor, particularly our partners," he said during forum, which was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Indonesian President and ASEAN chairman Joko Widodo has expressed hope summit would be used by leaders to "strengthen cooperation and not sharpen rivalries."
FMJ has also received reassurance from US of its "ironclad" commitment to its alliance with Philippines, during meeting with Harris. Meeting happened on sidelines of US-ASEAN summit.
"The Vice President reaffirmed United States' ironclad alliance commitment to Philippines, and highlighted role US-Philippines alliance plays in ensuring free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific," White House said in statement.
Harris and FMJ also had an informal meeting with Japan's Kishida at gala dinner Wednesday, where they discussed South China Sea row.
"Prime Minister Kishida exchanged views with President Marcos and Vice President Harris on current situation surrounding South China Sea, and concurred with them to jointly tackle unilateral attempts to change status quo by force," Japanese foreign ministry said.
In related development, FMJ thanked Australia for supporting Philippines' stance on South China Sea row and for providing ASEAN with assistance in education, defense, health and digital transformation.
"I welcome Australia's active engagement in maritime-related issues and concerns in the region, and we, Philippines, thank Australia for expressing concern on latest actions directed against Philippines in South China Sea…we join Australia on call for peace, stability, and respect for 1982 Law of the Sea Convention," Chief Executive said during third ASEAN-Australia Summit.
In statement on meeting between Harris and Marcos, White House said " two leaders discussed maritime security environment in South China Sea, and reviewed opportunities to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation, including alongside likeminded partners."
Marcos and Harris also welcomed designation of four additional sites for Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), 2014 deal that grants US military access to Philippine bases for training and humanitarian as well as disaster relief activities. According to White House, EDCA would drive American investment to local communities across Philippines and improve two countries' shared ability to rapidly deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
White House said Marcos and Harris also welcomed strength of bilateral relationship between their countries and talked about opportunities to deepen commercial and economic cooperation and their shared commitment to upholding rules-based international order.
Last Wednesday's engagement was meant to build on meetings of US President Joseph Biden and Harris with Marcos in Washington last May and on US vice president's visit to Philippines last November 2022.
During their summit, ASEAN leaders and Harris vowed to enhance maritime cooperation through mechanisms led by regional bloc as well as uphold freedom of navigation and overflight.
Harris and ASEAN leaders also discussed importance of upholding international law in South China Sea as well as strengthening ties on economics and trade, climate and energy, health, maritime issues, education and cultural exchange.
In Manila, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. told lawmakers Philippines has to take "defensive posture" in response to China's expansionist moves.
"China impliedly admitted t they are expanding by using word contain, First, they had the nine-dash line and which now became the 10-dash line. That alone means they wanted to extend their territory not just to the entire South China Sea but even beyond" Teodoro at yesterday's hearing of House appropriations committee of Rep. Zaldy Co on proposed P232.2-billion budget of Department of National Defense for next year.
Teodoro said "why we have to create deterrent posture."
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