We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
PBBM concerned over militarization of South China Sea, cites UNCLOS
JAKARTA, Indonesia - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners to harness their shared interests and rally them into taking joint action to address the complex challenges facing the world today. In his intervention at the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) here on Thursday, Marcos said that the world is facing a number of serious challenges, including the intensification of geopolitical tensions, food and energy insecurity, and the acceleration of the climate crisis. "These challenges are interconnected and require a comprehensive and coordinated response," Marcos Jr. said. "We must not allow these challenges to divide us. Instead, we must come together and work together to find solutions," he added. Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of ASEAN Centrality and universal multilateralism in addressing these challenges. He said that ASEAN must continue to play a leading role in regional cooperation, and that all countries must work together to uphold the rules-based international order. On the issue of the South China Sea, Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. He called on all parties to exercise self-restraint and refrain from unilateral and assertive activities that would increase tensions in the region. Marcos Jr. also reiterated his concern over the militarization of the South China Sea and the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the area. He also called anew for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law. "The Philippines remains committed to defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights, and the maritime jurisdiction in accordance with UNCLOS," Marcos Jr. said. In his intervention, Marcos Jr. also touched on other issues, such as the need to promote economic recovery, address climate change, and combat terrorism. He said that ASEAN and its partners must work together to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the region and the world. The East Asia Summit is made up of 18 countries, including ten ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America. The post PBBM concerned over militarization of South China Sea, cites UNCLOS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that the Philippines will "continue to push for cooperation with China and work toward more partnerships and collaboration" after bringing up "coercive activities" in the South China Sea. The two Asian leaders met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China Summit earlier this week, where Marcos Jr. underscored the need for an international law-based code of conduct in the South China Sea. During the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Marcos Jr. raised concerns about "hegemonic ambitions" in the South China Sea. He urged other Southeast Asian leaders to find "practical" ways to protect the bloc's interests in the strategic waterway. "The President said that the Philippines will continue to push for cooperation with China and work towards more partnerships and collaboration," the statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) read. "He earlier said that he is pleased with the latest developments in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and that the Philippines will assert its rights in accordance with international law," it added. During the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos said that the Philippines still believes that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the rule of law should be used to settle maritime conflicts. Before the ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos called out "misleading stories that frame the disputes in the SCS only through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries." Marcos last talked to a high-level Chinese official at the ASEAN Summit with China. This happened a few days after Beijing's new 10-dash line and a few weeks after the water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea, which made things worse between the Philippines and China. In August, Marcos said that the Philippines sent a note verbale to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after the latest incident in Ayungin Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly used water cannons and harmful actions against Philippine vessels. The CCG said it had taken "necessary controls" against Philippine boats that had "illegally" entered its waters. Several countries, led by the U.S., Australia, Japan, and Canada, came out in support of Manila and criticized China's actions. This is the latest in a series of events this year where Philippine ships have been harassed by Chinese ships. Li, on the other hand, said on Wednesday that Beijing's "good neighborly friendship" with ASEAN countries has grown. “We have been committed to mutual assistance and our good neighborly friendship has become stronger… We seek common ground while setting aside differences, properly handle disagreements through dialogues and consultations and consistently deepen practical cooperation in the traditional and non-traditional security views,” the Chinese official said at the ASEAN-China Summit The post Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SCS conflict, bigger ASEAN problem
As Southeast Asian leaders gather in Jakarta for their regional summit, fears have been raised over the bloc getting dragged into big-power rivalry as they seek to dispel worries about rifts over peace efforts in Myanmar and to reaffirm the relevance of their disparate group. No less than Indonesian President Joko Widodo, opening the summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tuesday called on the members to devise a “long-term tactical strategy that is relevant and meets people’s expectations.” He said ASEAN has agreed not to be a proxy for any powers. “Don’t turn our ship into an arena for rivalry that is destructive,” he warned in his opening remarks. Founded at the height of the Cold War in the 1960s to oppose the spread of communism, the politically diverse grouping prioritizes unity and non-interference in members’ internal affairs. But that is easier said than done. While they may be too concerned over rifts in the peace efforts in Myanmar, a bigger problem, probably as big as the South China Sea, looms over their heads. The disputed waterway, a region rich in resources and of strategic importance, has been a focal point of tension and disputes among various nations for decades. In the event of conflict erupting in the South China Sea, ASEAN will find itself facing complex challenges and crucial decisions. Before delving into ASEAN’s role in a potential South China Sea conflict, it is essential to understand the complexities of the disputes in the region. Multiple claimants, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, assert sovereignty over various islands, reefs, and waters in the South China Sea. These overlapping territorial claims have created an atmosphere of tension, with incidents of naval confrontations, militarization of islands, and increased military presence. While several attempts have been made to address these disputes through diplomatic means, the situation remains precarious. ASEAN’s core principles include the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through diplomatic dialogue, non-interference in internal affairs, and consensus-based decision-making. The regional bloc has demonstrated a commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea or DOC and subsequent efforts to negotiate a legally binding Code of Conduct or CoC with China reflect this commitment. ASEAN’s role, therefore, is primarily that of a mediator and facilitator of negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and preventing the escalation of conflicts. But what if a conflict erupts in the South China Sea? Would ASEAN uphold its fundamental principles, particularly the peaceful resolution of disputes, to prevent the outbreak of full-scale hostilities? Would it engage in shuttle diplomacy, urging all parties to exercise restraint and explore diplomatic solutions? This is where ASEAN’s role as a platform for regional dialogue becomes crucial. It should intensify diplomatic efforts to facilitate negotiations between the involved parties. This can include organizing summits, dialogues, and confidence-building measures to foster an environment conducive to resolving disputes peacefully. Furthermore, ASEAN should encourage adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. By promoting respect for international norms, ASEAN can help maintain order and deter any unilateral actions that could lead to a military confrontation. While ASEAN has the potential to play a constructive role in mitigating conflict, several challenges could hinder its effectiveness. One such challenge is the divergent interests and allegiances among ASEAN member states. Some nations may be more inclined to side with external powers, like the United States or China, depending on their strategic interests and alliances. Maintaining ASEAN’s unity in the face of external pressures will be a considerable challenge. Another challenge is the historical reluctance of some ASEAN members to confront China directly due to economic ties or political considerations. Balancing economic interests with regional security concerns will require skillful diplomacy and could strain ASEAN’s cohesion. Moreover, the absence of a legally binding CoC in the South China Sea complicates ASEAN’s efforts to manage conflicts. The negotiations for such an agreement have been protracted, and there is no guarantee of a successful outcome. ASEAN must navigate these challenges while advocating for a peaceful resolution. In the event of conflict in the South China Sea, therefore, ASEAN’s role would be pivotal in preventing further escalation and facilitating a peaceful resolution. Unless it wants to erase its image as a mere talk shop, the regional bloc should address this issue now while there is time. Otherwise, it might be too late. The post SCS conflict, bigger ASEAN problem appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoC reveries
An aversion to table the West Philippine Sea conflict and speeding up the progress of the Code of Conduct, or CoC, between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, and China is very evident in the ongoing Summit in Indonesia. The maritime conflict is not even on the official agenda and will be tackled only through optional bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the yearly assembly, which is all under the wishes of China. ASEAN, thus, is pushing itself into irrelevance by acceding to the wishes of China and its cohorts in the regional bloc like Cambodia. Despite its existence as an Economic Community since its inception, with full integration envisioned in 2025, much of its aspirations, including being a cohesive body to advance the interests of its members, remain a pipe dream. The CoC would have been a stellar achievement, but it was described as a moving goal post for more than two decades. In the ongoing ASEAN meeting, all that host Indonesia was able to commit to was a three-year deadline to finalize a CoC. Another set of guidelines is, thus, expected after the Jakarta assembly instead of a pact that will bind all the claimants in the maritime conflict. The guidelines, moreover, will have to be endorsed by regional leaders during the ASEAN-China Summit that is scheduled later. The Philippines is not confident about a substantial progress in the CoC despite its being the most urgent matter to maintain stability in the region. An official of the Department of Foreign Affairs said the outcome of talks on the long-delayed CoC will be limited “to mere reporting of past discussions.” “At most, there will be a report on what happened during the last meeting in the Philippines of the joint working group on the CoC,” which hardly equates to progress. During the third round of CoC talks in Manila from 22 to 24 August, discussions were stuck on the contentious issues of whether or not the CoC would be “legally binding.” China has historically resisted a legally binding CoC, the reason for the existence of the non-binding 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, or DoC. In 2019, Foreign Minister Wang Yi indicated his optimism that a CoC would be completed within three years, or by 2022. It is now 2023. He also announced that China supported a CoC that had “binding force” and was “an upgraded and strengthened version” of the DoC. The discussions then came to a head due to the different perspectives among those at the negotiating table, which are the same obstacles blocking the resolution of the maritime rift. China has refused to recognize the Permanent Court of Arbitration award that the Philippines and other claimant countries use as a basis for their position in the DoC negotiations. In not recognizing the arbitral ruling and insisting on its historical basis for the territorial claims, China and ASEAN are not on the same page in the negotiations, meaning that hopes for an agreement are futile. Like what happened in the local context when the Communist Party of the Philippines sued for negotiations with the government and used it to consolidate its forces, China uses the CoC discussions as a delaying tactic to fortify its position. Its recent release of the 10-dash line, which was a rewriting of its territorial boundaries again based on historical data, proves China is not about to change its position. According to reports on the Summit, China will only support a legally binding code when its historical version prevails. Another term that China wants included in the negotiations is barring countries outside the region from interfering. It also wants economic activities at sea, including oil and gas development, “to be conducted in cooperation with companies from countries outside the region.” China also wants the CoC signatories not to “hold joint military exercises with countries from outside the region, unless the parties concerned are notified beforehand and express no objection.” The untenable conditions appear designed to prevent the CoC from ever coming into being. The post CoC reveries appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. During his intervention in the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - China Summit here, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the rules-based order in the South China Sea. "The Philippines continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted," Marcos said. "We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes." Marcos also expressed hope that the two countries can progress in the negotiations for a COC in the South China Sea. "The early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, remains the goal for ASEAN and for China," he said. Marcos' remarks come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its claims over disputed waters. The Philippines is one of several ASEAN countries with overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea. In his remarks during the intervention, Marcos also highlighted the importance of cooperation between ASEAN and China in areas such as trade, investment, and connectivity. He said that such cooperation can help to achieve the goal of making ASEAN the "epicentrum of growth." "The ongoing ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations will also encourage stronger ties between ASEAN and China," Marcos said. "It is also our hope that we identify and leverage on complementarities between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific." Chinese Premier Li Qiang, for his part, claimed that China has been working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to "preserve regional stability." He asserted that "mutual trust" between the two parties has "grown deeper." "We have been committed to treating each other sincerely, and our political mutual trust has grown deeper," Li said during the ASEAN-China Summit. "No matter how the international situation evolves, China and ASEAN have maintained close exchanges and communication, respecting each other's development path," he said. China, which has emphasized that regional parties should be in charge of resolving disputes like those involving the South China Sea, has stated that "the China-ASEAN cooperation has come a long way" due to their shared "understanding about hardships." Chinese ships obstructed Philippine resupply ships in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in August by using water cannons. The Hague-based international arbitration court received a complaint from Manila in 2013 against Beijing, but China ignored the proceedings there as well. Beijing has continued rejecting the judgment rendered in that case in 2016, and in July it charged the US with being the "mastermind" behind the Philippines' lawsuit. The post PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. talk stays cheap
China’s release of a new map expanding its maritime area within a “10-dash line” that includes the West Philippine Sea has been condemned by the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, and Vietnam. Conspicuously absent from the first responders was the United States which had earlier issued a brave warning that it would protect the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The US had said it would protect international ship passage in one of the world’s most contested waterways, where more than $3 trillion in trade passes each year. China on Monday released a new version of its infamous U-shaped dashed line that now covers about 90 percent of the South China Sea, including Taiwan which it regards as a renegade province. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated the so-called historic “nine-dash line” claim of China, but Beijing made it clear that it did not recognize the decision and insisted on bilateral agreements with other claimants to settle territorial conflicts. China holds to its position that its sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were established throughout the long course of history, claiming that this was “duly recognized by international treaties and accords which are not to be infringed upon by any illegal awards.” China instead accused the Philippines of taking unilateral action to initiate the arbitration that “breached its bilateral agreement with China to settle relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation.” It claimed that this commitment was also contained in the non-binding Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, in 2002. Beijing, however, has continuously put a damper on concluding the Code of Conduct that ASEAN has been pushing to finally settle the conflicting claims. The presence of American forces appeared to have deterred China from making good on its “historical” claims that are continuously expanding. A delayed reaction by the US to the new Chinese propaganda offensive may prove fatal to the region. Dean Cheng, a senior advisor to the China program in the government-backed US Institute of Peace, observed that Beijing has been gambling on American willingness or lack of it to confront China’s “salami-slicing tactics against its neighbors.” Cheng recalled that in 2012, the United States persuaded the Philippines to withdraw from Scarborough Shoal “while making no effort to compel the People’s Republic of China to do the same. In effect, Washington forced Manila to cede that set of features to the PRC.” Cheng recounted how this was followed by a three-year hiatus in US freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, which he noted was an absence “that coincided with massive Chinese construction on features it controlled.” For the United States to once again fail to counter the latest Chinese efforts “would reinforce a perception of American withdrawal,” Cheng pointed out. He warned of the possible consequences if the US continues to waffle on its position regarding China’s increasing aggressiveness. “If the United States were to not respond, its credibility as an ally would be called into question, certainly by Manila. The various efforts to renew US access to Philippine facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, especially in the event of a Taiwan contingency, will certainly falter. Why should the Philippines support American efforts to support Taiwan if the United States won’t support the Philippines?” Cheng said. If recent events were the basis, the Philippines has always been made to suffer the backlash of Washington policies in the region, such as the Asian pivot of former President Barack Obama. The Philippine government was made to support the American program but was left in the lurch when the going got tough. The US still has to prove that it walks the talk on its supposed protection of the region from predatory actions. The post U.S. talk stays cheap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PHL will push for support, consensus on South China Sea conflict at ASEAN summit
The Philippines will push for statements on the South China Sea in the upcoming 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia, a Foreign Affairs official said on Thursday. During the Malacañang Press Briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel Espiritu said the Philippines is concerned about recent incidents in the Ayungin Shoal and the new map released by China. "The Philippines is definitely pushing for statements in that regard," Espiritu said. "But, of course, I cannot give you yet the final text of that because it's still being negotiated," he added. Espiritu said the Philippines is working with other Association of Southeast Asian Nation members to reach a consensus on the statements. For context, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Jakarta, Indonesia next month. Espiritu said there are external partners who support the Philippines' position, but he could not say if it will be enough to secure consensus. "I cannot predict at this point if it will be at the level of consensus in the end," he said. Espiritu said the Philippines is not seeking to condemn China, but it wants to make clear its concerns about the recent developments in the South China Sea. "We are saying something in that regard, yeah, not exactly with the word condemnation," he said. Espiritu said the language of the statements is still being negotiated, and he could not predict what the final outcome will be. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to join the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia on 5-7 September 2023. Code of Conduct Meanwhile, Espiritu said the creation of the code of conduct (COC) for the contested South China Sea might experience some delays because of differing stances among the countries making claims in the region. Espiritu said, "We will have to wait" since discussions were still underway due to "many" roadblocks that hinder the COC's completion. "Definitely our national interest varies. Pero, I cannot exactly say what these are to you. Since several countries are involved here and nand'yan din 'yung ASEAN, we will have to devise a compromise every step of the way," Espiritu said. "It has been happening for a very long time. I think it will take a little bit longer for its completion," he added. The post PHL will push for support, consensus on South China Sea conflict at ASEAN summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN, China resume South China Sea Code of Conduct talks
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China on Tuesday resumed negotiations for a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific Region. Manila is the country host for the resumption of the 40th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea on 22-24 August. The ongoing negotiation is the third round of the COC talks among members of the ASEAN and China. The first two were held in Jakarta, in March, and in Vietnam in May. Four of the ten members of the ASEAN are primary claimants of the South China Sea such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. According to Ma. Teresita Daza, spokesperson of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines joined the negotiations to prevent future incidents similar to the recent altercation between the Philippines and China in the Ayungin Shoal. “We are negotiating a Code of Conduct precisely because we would like to prevent incidents such as the last one at the Ayungin Shoal from happening,” Daza told reporters in a WhatsApp message. “We hope that all participants would come to the negotiating table in good faith and help create a conducive environment for talks,” she added. The DFA official is referring to the 5 August incident in the Ayungin Shoal, where China used a water cannon and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels en route on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The event sparked a word war between the Philippines and China. Daza said the Philippines “remains committed to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC.” The People’s Republic of China is claiming the vast South China Sea, an important shipping passage for global trade and investments worth $5.3 trillion annually. The post ASEAN, China resume South China Sea Code of Conduct talks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese FM begins SE Asia tour as South China Sea tensions flare
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Singapore Thursday at the start of a three-nation regional tour, Beijing's embassy in the city-state said, as tensions flare with the Philippines in the South China Sea. His three-day trip, after returning to the post last month following the unexplained disappearance of predecessor Qin Gang, also includes Malaysia and Cambodia. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy confirmed to AFP on Thursday morning that Beijing's top diplomat had arrived in the financial hub. "China hopes to strengthen strategic communication with the three Southeast Asian countries through this visit," China's foreign ministry said when it announced the trip on Wednesday. Wang will visit until Friday and hold separate meetings with his counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's government said. His visit comes after Beijing and Manila clashed at the weekend when the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of blocking and firing water cannon at its boats on a resupply mission to Filipino marines stationed on a World-War-II-era ship. China has since insisted the Philippine navy vessel grounded on a reef in the Spratly Islands be removed from the hotly contested waters that have long been a flashpoint between the two. Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and the Philippines are all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is in talks with China over a code of conduct in the sea that Beijing claims as almost entirely its own. Other ASEAN members Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei all claim parts of the sea, too. Singapore has for decades juggled ties with China and the US as their rivalry grows across the Asia-Pacific region. Wang will travel to Malaysia on Friday where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will meet with Beijing's envoy in the northern state of Penang, Malaysia's Star newspaper reported. Anwar is on the campaign trail ahead of local elections on Saturday in six states. Wang will finish his trip in Cambodia, which has become one of China's strongest allies in the region under the rule of outgoing ruler Hun Sen, receiving huge sums of Chinese investment. mba/jfx/aha © Agence France-Presse The post Chinese FM begins SE Asia tour as South China Sea tensions flare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese FM begins SE Asia tour as South China Sea tensions flare
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Singapore Thursday at the start of a three-nation regional tour, Beijing's embassy in the city-state said, as tensions flare with the Philippines in the South China Sea. His three-day trip, after returning to the post last month following the unexplained disappearance of predecessor Qin Gang, also includes Malaysia and Cambodia. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy confirmed to AFP on Thursday morning that Beijing's top diplomat had arrived in the financial hub. "China hopes to strengthen strategic communication with the three Southeast Asian countries through this visit," China's foreign ministry said when it announced the trip on Wednesday. Wang will visit until Friday and hold separate meetings with his counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's government said. His visit comes after Beijing and Manila clashed at the weekend when the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of blocking and firing water cannon at its boats on a resupply mission to Filipino marines stationed on a World-War-II-era ship. China has since insisted the Philippine navy vessel grounded on a reef in the Spratly Islands be removed from the hotly contested waters that have long been a flashpoint between the two. Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and the Philippines are all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is in talks with China over a code of conduct in the sea that Beijing claims as almost entirely its own. Other ASEAN members Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei all claim parts of the sea, too. Singapore has for decades juggled ties with China and the US as their rivalry grows across the Asia-Pacific region. Wang will travel to Malaysia on Friday where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will meet with Beijing's envoy in the northern state of Penang, Malaysia's Star newspaper reported. Anwar is on the campaign trail ahead of local elections on Saturday in six states. Wang will finish his trip in Cambodia, which has become one of China's strongest allies in the region under the rule of outgoing ruler Hun Sen, receiving huge sums of Chinese investment. The post Chinese FM begins SE Asia tour as South China Sea tensions flare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Binay to DFA: Require personal appearances in E-visa application
Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to make “personal appearances at consular offices” as a “non-negotiable requirement” for some categories applying for electronic-visa or e-visa to ensure national security is still in place. Binay welcomed the pilot implementation of the country’s first-ever e-visa services on 24 August but stressed that DFA and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency should come up with “better security policies” to prevent possible non-technical loopholes. She added the authorities should ensure that the “probability” of organized syndicates exploiting tour groups and junkets will be lessened, including human trafficking. “We welcome the implementation of e-visas not only to positively boost tourism but also as our commitment to facilitate ease of travel. In the same vein, we urge the DFA and NICA to refine national security policies to deter undesirable travelers from extra-legally bypassing immigration laws,” Binay said. The senator likewise urged the DoF and NICA to review the existing exemption system to avoid any misuse and abuse by some foreign nationals of the Philippine e-visa. Binay cited the country’s digital version of the standard visa allows foreign travelers to enter a certain country for a specific period or purpose. In lieu of physical holographic stamps or stickers on the passport, applicants instead receive an e-visa approval code—which is linked to the passports. Binay urged authorities to make sure that national security would not be compromised amid plans to improve the digitalization of government processes. “Though the e-visa system temporarily gives us an opportunity to recover and jumpstart Philippine tourism, kailangan natin magkaroon ng (there’s a need to have) serious strategic decision on embracing the system as a modern travel solution,” she said. “Every visa decision has a national security dimension. Certain parameters on security should be in place, and apply a multi-layered safety plug plus a face-to-face interview to a narrow category of travelers para talagang salang-sala ang mga pumapasok sa bansa,” she added. Binay said vetting on transnational organizational criminals or TOC-related grounds and extensive security screening should be the prime considerations in approving visa applications. "Mas laganap ngayon ang transnational crimes lalo na ang human trafficking and prostitution na mula Mainland China. Gaano ba kasigurado tayo na ang nabibigyan natin ng e-visa eh talagang mga lehitimong turista? As a matter of national interest, I share the DFA's position to require face-to-face interviews with tourist visa applicants whose profiles fall in marked categories," she said. Hence, Binay advised the DFA to proceed with caution saying that the Bureau of Immigration “should also have a system to check on foreign nationals overstaying in the country.” Considering that the Philippines is the only ASEAN country with a Tier 1 status under the US State Department’s annual human trafficking report, Binay said the DFA cannot turn a blind eye on media reports involving the alleged trafficking of Chinese workers to the country. “Lalo pa ngayong unti-unti nang nanunumbalik ang turismo (now that tourism is reviving)—we also cannot ignore that China is a big market. I share the opinion that we have to take advantage of the global 'revenge tourism' phenomenon, but targeting visitor quotas need not dilute national security interests. At the end of the day, safety nets in homeland security should be in place,” she said. Binay noted that visa applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for e-visa acquisition, whether they are applying for tourism, business, or emergency purposes. The policy must apply to all foreign nationals, and we always have to be on the side of caution and prudence, she added. The DFA is set to pilot the e-visa in China and India beginning on 24 August. It will later allow foreign travelers to enter the country for tourism and business to apply for temporary visas online. The post Binay to DFA: Require personal appearances in E-visa application appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stalled CoC tabled anew
The long-delayed negotiations for a Code of Conduct or CoC on the West Philippine Sea resume next month reviving hopes for a binding agreement that China will adhere to in defusing maritime tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Talks between ASEAN members and China are scheduled in Manila in August. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague issued an award that basically invalidated the nine-dash line claim of China but did not settle sovereignty issues. China refused to participate in the proceedings and said it did not recognize the ruling. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo announced the latest development following the completion of the second reading of the Single Draft CoC negotiating text. Pandemic stalled talks Constraints brought about by the pandemic prevented ASEAN and China from holding CoC negotiations over the past two years. According to Manalo, Manila anticipates adopting an “effective and substantive” agreement next month. In addition, the DFA chief advocated for stronger cooperation on several issues related to ASEAN and Beijing relations, saying that everyone involved “must ensure that gains are not undercut by threats to regional peace, security, and stability, as well as major power rivalries.” “Regarding developments in the South China Sea, we call for the effective management and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” Manolo said. Both ASEAN and China reiterated through a joint statement their intent to expedite the negotiations on the long-stalled CoC. Back in November 2022, Manalo bared that at least two or three rounds of negotiations were expected to take place this year. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are at odds over the resource-rich South China Sea, with China claiming the disputed waterway entirely. China remained firm over its territorial claims, notwithstanding the 2016 arbitral award. Last week, the Philippines, joined by its allies, celebrated the seventh anniversary of the country’s victory in the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration. The post Stalled CoC tabled anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Broken vows
On 13 July 2016, or a day after the Permanent Court of Arbitration released its decision favoring the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute, China came out with a comprehensive argument and counter-offer to the Philippines on settling the dispute. Called the “White Paper,” it was directed at former President Rodrigo Duterte who had indicated a policy of engaging China in dialogue, which was a departure from the foreign policy of his predecessor, the late Benigno Aquino III, who rejected negotiations and instead brought the conflict to the international tribunal. Now the incumbent, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., seeks to maintain a close engagement with China but without setting aside the arbitral award. During Duterte’s term, China made several pledges to support a process that would allow for the resolution of disputes among claimant nations based on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties or DoC, signed by China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN in Phnom Penh in 2002. Thus, China committed to crafting a binding Code of Conduct or CoC with the ASEAN members that would contain the rules that would prevent conflicts from erupting over the disputed waters. In the White Paper, China indicated that “no matter what mechanism or means is chosen for settling disputes between any countries, the consent of states concerned should be the basis of that choice, and the will of sovereign states should not be violated.” China firmly indicated in the document that it did not accept any means of “dispute settlement imposed on it, nor does it accept any recourse to third-party settlement.” On 25 August 2006, China deposited — pursuant to Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — with the UN Secretary-General a declaration stating that “the Government of the People’s Republic of China does not accept any of the procedures provided for in Section 2 of Part XV of the Convention concerning all the categories of disputes referred to in paragraph 1 (a), (b) and (c) of Article 298 of the Convention.” China, however, committed to work actively to promote the establishment of bilateral maritime consultation mechanisms and “explore joint development in areas such as fishery, oil and gas, and champion the active exploration by relevant countries in establishing a cooperation mechanism.” It highlighted its dedication to working with ASEAN “to fully and effectively implement the DoC and actively promote practical maritime cooperation.” Another commitment was its support in pushing forward “consultations on a Code of Conduct under the framework of full and effective implementation of the DoC, to achieve an early conclusion based on consensus.” None of the pledges have been delivered six years after, to the disappointment of the Philippines and other nations who looked up to China to exercise leadership in resolving the recurring regional friction. The involvement of a third party, thus, becomes a necessity since the maritime conflict appears nowhere near a settlement. Had China followed its commitment with actions, the CoC would be in effect and this should not have necessitated the involvement of an outside interest. Instead, with its apparent lack of interest or even aversion to binding rules, China has stalled the completion of the CoC. Without the CoC, the nations would have to inevitably turn to the arbitral ruling as a guidepost on the status of the conflicting claims. Thus, there is no other way for the conflict but to simmer as China considers the way of arbitration an assault on its sovereign interest. The post Broken vows appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN navies ratify guidelines for safety protocols, communication line
The ANCM (ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting) Guidelines for Maritime Interaction is an entirely a different document from the South China Sea Code of Conduct that diplomats from ASEAN nations and China are in the middle of negotiating. .....»»
Marcos: CoC needed to resolve SCS tension
INDONESIA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday evening said the ongoing conflict in the South China Sea cannot be resolved unless there is a Code of Conduct that clarifies the terms between ASEAN and China. In a media interview upon arrival here, Marcos said China's bilateral discussions with ASEAN member-states are only causing things "complicated." He said he intends to encourage his fellow leaders from Southeast Asia to seek a solution that would prompt the creation of a "new" Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. He expressed optimism that the regional group would be able to resolve the problems preventing the conclusion of the negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. "What is the problem? What is the bottleneck? Where are we having a hard time? How can we fix that problem? That's what these meetings should be for. And I think we'll get to that point because everybody wants this to work. Everybody wants to have a Code of Conduct. So, what's getting in the way? Let's talk about it," Marcos said. He added: "I'll bring it up again because when we talked about the issues on the West Philippine Sea (or) South China Sea, tensions will not ease until we have the Code of Conduct. If we have the Code of Conduct, everybody will follow." Over the years, he said, everybody is talking to China. “I really believe that we will slowly, slowly get to the point where we can proffer and say this is what we want to look like," he said. "That (CoC in the SCS) makes things clearer. There should be no possibility of committing a mistake because the discussion should be clear.” Marcos acknowledged that the CoC negotiations in the SCS are "separate from the ASEAN Summit." "That's not something that will be done here," he said, adding that he has no plan of setting a deadline for the negotiations between the Philippines and China. Marcos said imposing a deadline is not ideal since there is already "progress" in the ongoing talks between Manila and Beijing. "The deadline is when it's done. Because if you set a deadline and it's not done, what then? It doesn't help anything. So, just keep going, keep going, keep going as hard as you can, as much as you can until you get an agreement on the fishing ground," he said. Meanwhile, he said leaders would likely address the issue of tension in the Taiwan Strait during the 42nd ASEAN Summit here. The discussion of the issue of tension in the Taiwan Strait, he said, is inevitable as ASEAN member-states have expressed grave concern. "Considering that we also agree on the concept of ASEAN centrality when it comes to regional concerns, that will be one of the most important subjects that we'll bring up,” he added. It has already been a considerable amount of time since ASEAN leaders last addressed the issue, he said. "The discussions on that, that we had goes to a year ago, a lot has changed in that time," he said. "Many changes occurred. That is why we have to really calibrate whatever it is that we are planning.” He clarified that the United States did not request the Philippines to deploy military troops in the event of a conflict arising from the increasing tensions concerning Taiwan. The Philippine government, he added, has made it explicitly clear that the American military bases in the country will not be used as staging areas for any military operations. The post Marcos: CoC needed to resolve SCS tension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: ‘We need a Code of Conduct’ on the South China Sea | The wRap
The wRap highlights: Marcos at ASEAN, SB19, and Billy Crawford.....»»
Marcos: ASEAN pushes for code of conduct, zero-violence in South China Sea
"Now on the South China Sea. Everybody, including the Chinese, says we follow UNCLOS and international law. So at least that position of ASEAN is clear," he also said......»»
Asean ministers call for peace, stability in South China Sea
MANILA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) called for peace and stability in the South China Sea as it pushes for the early conclusion of a code that would reduce tensions in the area.The 10 Southeast Asian foreign ministers made the call during the Asean Fo.....»»
Enemy within?
BY ROBERT B. ROQUE, JR. The clock is ticking, and it seems that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are still worlds apart in completing a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea by the end of their three-year deadline in 2021. At present, Manila plays a […].....»»
US derailing ASEAN Code of Conduct
Objectively, the ASEAN Code of Conduct was first broached to the members in the 1992 meeting in Singapore. The issue was to mediate China and Vietnam in a dispute over oil exploration......»»