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China refuses to explain why defense minister sacked
China on Wednesday refused to explain why defense minister Li Shangfu was removed from office, a day after he was fired following weeks out of the public eye. In a major reshuffle of top leadership, Beijing announced on Tuesday that Li and ousted ex-foreign minister Qin Gang had been removed from the cabinet. No explanation was given for their removal from office. When asked about the firings on Wednesday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told journalists she did not have "any other information to provide". Mao instead referred media to state news agency Xinhua, which also provided no information about their removal from office. "If you're concerned about whether China is transparent, what I can say is that we release information on all appointments and removals of personnel in a timely manner," she said. Both Qin and Li are believed by experts to have been personally selected for their roles by President Xi Jinping. The post China refuses to explain why defense minister sacked appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NSC bares options vs increasing China’s aggressive actions in WPS
The Philippines has a lot of options to respond to the increasingly aggressive actions of China in the West Philippine Sea, which include the filing of a case in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or ITLOS in response to the latest collisions of Manila and Beijing vessels in the Ayungin Shoal. This was bared in a radio interview by National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, on Tuesday. Malaya said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Coast Guard to complete the maritime investigation on the separate collisions concerning China Coast Guard vessels and Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted boat for the rotation and re-provisioning or RoRe mission in the area. “Kasi may mga patudsada rin ang China sa atin at kailangan sagutin natin ‘yan with proofs and evidences and then magmi-meeting po ‘yung security cluster para mapag-usapan yung resolute response sa maging action ng China sa pinakahuling RoRe mission,” he told the SuperRadyo DzBB. Malaya, also the spokesperson of the National Task Force on the West Philippines Sea, noted that the government and security sector are exploring all options to respond to China’s aggression towards WPS. But, he did not divulge the country’s step-by-step actions. “I’m not at liberty to discuss that now because we cannot telegraph our moves to China. China doesn’t expose their plans either, so we can’t let them know what we intend to do,” he said. Malaya said the results of the maritime investigation will be presented to Marcos and will be followed by discussions of the administration’s concerned cabinet members on the possible response to the matter. “There a lot of options that are [placed] in the table right now, we can file a case in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or ITLOS,” he stressed. Malaya emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Coast Guard “made it clear” that China had violated maritime rules and collision regulations during the Ayungin incident. “We have a lot of recourse that we can do because of this unprecedented event that happened, but it would be up to the President and the concerned Cabinet members what will be our next move,” he added. “There’s no decision on that so far. It will be decided by the Cabinet cluster and by the President himself. Let’s just wait for their responses. So we'll have to wait and see what the Cabinet says.” Malaya emphasized the entire government and the security cluster are “taking this issue very seriously,” thus, the President called for a conference meeting to discuss the matter thoroughly. “Clearly, the Chinese side did their actions with clear intent to prevent and block our ship which led to the collision so we are gathering all the evidence to voice our position about what happened on Sunday,” he said. Malaya said the government “must take the long view and be very patient” like how China effectively calculated its long-term responses to its territorial claims. Meanwhile, the NSC official underscored that the results of the maritime investigation will be presented to Marcos and will be followed by discussions of the administration’s concerned cabinet members on the possible response to the matter. “There a lot of options that are [placed] in the table right now, we can file a case in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or ITLOS,” he stressed. Malaya emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Coast Guard “made it clear” that China had violated maritime rules and collision regulations during the Ayungin incident. “We have a lot of recourse that we can do because of this unprecedented event that happened, but it would be up to the President and the concerned Cabinet members what will be our next move,” he added. “There’s no decision on that so far. It will be decided by the Cabinet cluster and by the President himself. Let’s just wait for their responses. So we'll have to wait and see what the Cabinet says.” Malaya emphasized the entire government and the security cluster are “taking this issue very seriously,” thus, the President called for a conference meeting to discuss the matter thoroughly. “Clearly, the Chinese side did their actions with clear intent to prevent and block our ship which led to the collision so we are gathering all the evidence to voice our position about what happened on Sunday,” he said. Malaya said the government “must take the long view and be very patient” like how China effectively calculated its long-term responses to its territorial claims. The post NSC bares options vs increasing China’s aggressive actions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCG’s problematic dualism
There is a world of difference between the roles of a civilian agency and those of a military command. No civilian agency or military command should be doing the role of the other, lest they overlap, conflict, or render redundant their authority. The role of the Philippine Coast Guard is a good subject for legislative review — whether it fulfills a purely civilian function or a purely military one. The fact that it’s an attached agency of the Department of Transportation as much as an attached service of the Department of National Defense “confers” upon it a dualism that may be at cross purposes. While the PCG can fit either role, it shouldn’t. For in so doing, the line between maritime law enforcement and national defense is blurred. One may be led to think that, perforce, the PCG is unadulteratedly a military organization as it used to be part of the Philippine Navy, a major branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Something explains this duality, but it may require assessment as to whether it must continue to have this dual character. In principle, any individual or unit that performs a task or mandate that essentially belongs solely to the military must forthwith be under a military commander or military organization. Who can even begin to fathom what it means when the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard reports directly to the Transportation Secretary in the enforcement of maritime law, but also reports to the Defense Secretary if not the President in wartime? If one should take a cursory look at those who served as commandants of the PCG since its founding in 1967 under different presidents, one would find, viz.: 1) During Rodrigo Duterte’s term, only three served for over a year, while four served for less than a year, and one for only 18 days; 2) Under Benigno Aquino, four barely completed a year, one just a year, and one more than two years; 3) Under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, three served for barely a year, two served over two years or so; 4) Under Joseph Estrada, one served for two years; 5) In Fidel Ramos’ time, five served for less than a year, one for 32 days, and one for almost three years; 6) Under Corazon Aquino, two served for two years, one for three years, and two for a week or so; 7) Under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., four served for over a year, three served for 3, 4, 5 years, respectively. This tells us that commandants, as presidential appointees, must be the personal choices of the presidents they serve. With a change of the occupant in Malacañang, a change in the leadership of the PCG also takes place, good or bad. It’s said that the PCG’s “transformation into a non-military organization” and its “civilian character” allowed it “to receive offers of vessels, equipment, technology, services, cooperation and other needed assistance from other countries,” that otherwise would not have been feasible were it a military agency. President Fidel Ramos signed Executive Order 475 on 30 March 1998 to separate the PCG from the Philippine Navy, and Executive Order 477 to transfer it from the DND to the DoTC, a month thereafter. Thus, even FM Jr. has been heard saying, “Our friends from other countries will help strengthen the PCG’s capabilities.” Today, the President envisions the PCG as a “central actor” insofar as West Philippine Sea matters are concerned; thus, he ordered several 40-foot long patrol vessels to be built in Cebu to improve the PCG’s capabilities in maritime territorial disputes. In the face of China’s unprecedented coast guard expansion — the largest in the world — “civilianizing” the PCG makes little sense. It’s a Catch-22 on how to “reinvent” the PCG. Military strategists had miserably failed. The post PCG’s problematic dualism appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t
The United States warned on Monday that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces and Philippine Coast Guard civilian vessels could trigger its 72-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. “The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea,” the US Department of State said in a statement. The statement came a day after a China Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine resupply vessel that was conducting a routine resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal. During the same resupply mission, a Chinese maritime militia vessel also bumped the BRP Cabra, one of the PCG ships that were escorting the boat contracted by the AFP. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the collisions, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered investigated by the PCG, were “intentional.” For its part, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said further study is needed to invoke the MDT due to the incident. “The matter of filing another case is something that is still being studied by the government. But, of course, all incidents like these will actually bolster the case that it is not the Philippines that is the aggressor but the other party, which is China,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said. “It’s a provocation on the side of China but at this point, whether it will constitute an armed attack that would allow the invoking of the MDT is something that needs to be studied,” she added. The Philippines and the US agreed under the MDT, signed in 1951, that an armed attack on either of the parties would be considered an attack on the other, necessitating common or joint actions. Ambassador summoned The Philippines on Monday summoned China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, to explain the “blocking maneuvers” conducted by its vessels. China has insisted on its territorial rights over the Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, which is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Swarms of CCG ships and Chinese maritime militia vessels had been monitored in the WPS, which Philippine officials said was a blatant disrespect of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. In July 2016, the Philippines won the arbitral case it lodged against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The US said it stands with the Philippines in the face of China’s “dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing” a 22 October resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. “By conducting dangerous maneuvers that caused collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard ships, the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia violated international law by intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation,” the US State Department said. “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct jeopardized the Filipino crew members’ safety and impeded critically needed supplies from reaching service members stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional stability,” it added. Citing the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, the US noted that China’s territorial claims to Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation outside the territorial sea of another high tide feature, were unfounded. Unsafe moves “The unsafe maneuvers on 22 October and the PRC water cannoning of a Philippine vessel on 5 August are the latest examples of provocative PRC measures in the South China Sea to enforce its expansive and unlawful maritime claims, reflecting disregard for other states lawfully operating in the region,” the State Department stressed. Aside from the US, Japan, France, Canada, Australia and Germany also condemned China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In a separate statement, Canada condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region, and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. France, Japan, Germany, too France expressed its “deep concern” over the dangerous maneuvers of the CCG against Philippine vessels “engaged in the Philippine exclusive economic zone.” “France calls for respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on 12 July 2016,” the Embassy of France to the Philippines said. Japan, likewise, stressed that it was “seriously concerned” and “alarmed” about the collision of Chinese vessels with Philippine vessels. “Seriously concerned about and alarmed by the collision between Chinese and Philippines vessels,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in a tweet. Koshikawa said Japan “strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.” “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. The post Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S., Canada lambast PRC
The United States on Sunday denounced China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea that led to the collision of its ships with Philippine boats en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described China Coast Guard’s actions as a “disruption” of a “legal” resupply mission of the Philippines to the BRP Sierra Madre, its permanent military post in the West Philippine Sea. She tweeted on X that the US “condemns” China’s “latest disruption of a legal Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, putting the lives of Filipino service members at risk. One of two boats contracted by the Philippines to bring supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre was bumped by a China Coast Guard Ship before a Chinese militia vessel did the same to a Philippine Coast Guard escort ship. Carlson said Washington “stands” with Manila in “protecting Philippine sovereignty and in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.” Over the past months, the US had reiterated its “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines amid the escalating tension in the WPS, a portion of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines and China. In August, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III stressed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila extends to the latter’s public vessels. Unlawful conduct Canada also condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. Canada said it welcomed the news that no injuries resulted from the collisions and commended the “professionalism and restraint exercised” by the Philippine Coast Guard. “Canada affirms its support for a rules-based order in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral decision, which is final and binding on the parties,” it said. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration — a landmark decision that China continues to reject. Germany also expressed concern over the incident in the WPS. Senators enraged “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. Pfaffernoschke called on “all parties to act in accordance with UNCLOS-rules and to respect the 2016 arbitral award. Senators also condemned China’s actions. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Tolentino expressed anger over the collisions that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. Zubiri called on CCG to “respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel.” “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” Hontiveros said. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law.” For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. The post U.S., Canada lambast PRC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climate ‘loss and damage’ talks end with no agreement
A crucial meeting on climate “loss and damages” ahead of COP28 ended in failure Saturday, with countries from the global north and south unable to reach an agreement, according to sources involved in the talks. The agreement to set up a dedicated fund to help vulnerable countries cope with climate “loss and damage” was a flagship achievement of last year’s COP27 talks in Egypt. But countries left the details to be worked out later. A series of talks held this year have tried to tease out consensus on fundamentals like the structure, beneficiaries and contributors — a key issue for richer nations who want China to pay into the fund. A transition committee on the establishment of the fund met late Friday and into Saturday in Aswan, in southern Egypt. But the delegates were unable to reach an agreement and deferred the decision to another meeting due 3 to 5 November in the United Arab Emirates, according to a webcast of the debate on the official YouTube channel of the United Nations. Ahead of the breakdown, the discussion hit a hurdle over where the funds should be held. There was a divide over it being managed by the World Bank, accused of being in the hands of the West, or in a new independent structure, called for by many developing nations, but would be time consuming and complex to replenish with new funds. The failure “is a clear indication of the deep chasm between rich and poor nations,” Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy for Climate Action Network International, said in a statement to Agence France-Presse on Saturday. “Developed countries must be held accountable for their shameless attempts to push the World Bank as the host of the fund, their refusal to discuss the necessary scale of finance, and their blatant disregard for their responsibilities” under the terms of already established international climate agreements, he said. Rachel Cleetus with the Union of Concerned Scientists said that “today’s disappointing outcome is a blow to communities... facing an unrelenting onslaught of climate impacts.” “The United States and other rich countries seem more focused on evading or minimizing their responsibility than engaging in good faith negotiations,” she added. The post Climate ‘loss and damage’ talks end with no agreement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla: Phl ‘not provoking’ China but ‘asserting our rights under UNCLOS’
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Philippines is ”not provoking" but "asserting our rights under the UNCLOS which is being respected by the whole world, hopefully by everybody including china in the future,” in reaction to Beijing's warning on Tuesday, 26 September, that Manila should not to "stir up trouble" after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal that was allegedly deployed by China to block Filipino fishermen from the area. Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea has long been a source of tension between the countries. China seized the ring of reefs from the Philippines in 2012 and has since deployed patrol boats. The latest spat was due to a 300-meter (328-yard) floating barrier that was found across the entrance of the shoal last week during a routine Philippine government resupply mission to fishermen plying the waters near the shoal. Remulla said yesterday, “I think we know that we have to file a complaint. Its a matter of choosing the complaint to file and where to file the complaint, whether its the International Criminal court or the Permanent Court of Arbitration or other forum." The DOJ chief said he is more inclined to file the case with the PCA because of its familiarity with the case. The PCA in 12 July 2016 issued a unanimous award under Annex VII to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the “Convention”) in the arbitration instituted by the Republic of the Philippines against the People’s Republic of China. It said: “This arbitration concerned the role of historic rights and the source of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, the status of certain maritime features and the maritime entitlements they are capable of generating, and the lawfulness of certain actions by China that were alleged by the Philippines to violate the Convention. In light of limitations on compulsory dispute settlement under the Convention, the Tribunal has emphasized that it does not rule on any question of sovereignty over land territory and does not delimit any boundary between the Parties.” -- The post Remulla: Phl ‘not provoking’ China but ‘asserting our rights under UNCLOS’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP works on more improved Phl presence in WPS
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is exerting key efforts to further improve the country’s presence in its territorial waters in the West Philippines Sea. AFP’s Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos said among these efforts include the effective control of all islands now occupied by the Philippines in the WPS, establishing a stronger naval presence, and enhancing maritime domain awareness in these areas. "What is certain is that the solution to the WPS maritime issue is not in the hands of the military alone, but the whole-of-nation approach because it takes a consideration of all matters, not just the military," he said during the Stratbase ADRi forum titled "Implementing a Comprehensive Philippine Maritime Framework to Advance Rule of Law" in Makati City on Wednesday. Carlos underscored that a stronger naval presence involves the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that continuing to conduct maritime patrols in the country’s maritime territory. The WesCom chief also bared the government is slated to come up with a national strategy in the WPS, anchored to the ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In the same forum, Acting Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Moya Collett has expressed concern over the “destabilizing behaviors” directed against the Philippines, particularly the recent developments in the disputed Spratlys Island and Scarborough Shoal. “There have been a number of reports about destabilizing behavior directed towards the Philippines in the South China Sea and we’re very concerned about that,” Collett lamented. “We want all activities in the South China Sea and throughout the world to be consistent with international law and UNCLOS in particular,” she added. Meanwhile, Collett bared that Australia is eyeing the possibility of expanding its existing coral reef restoration program in the Philippines, covering the Rozul Reef—previously swarmed by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia. This after, the AFP and the PCG reported that corals in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal had been “extensively destroyed” after the CCG and CMM vacated the waters. Collett said there are “no specific plans for that at the moment.” “But I think there’s potential for us to do that through our existing marine cooperation program,” she added. The post AFP works on more improved Phl presence in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU businesses ‘questioning their position’ in China — trade commissioner
European businesses in China are increasingly questioning their positions in the face of tough new security laws and a politicization of trade, an EU commissioner warned in Beijing on Monday. "European companies are concerned with China's direction of travel," Valdis Dombrovskis said in a speech at the capital's Tsinghua University. "Many are questioning their position in this country." He pointed to a new foreign relations law and a recent update to China's anti-espionage laws as being of "great concern to our business community". "Their ambiguity allows too much room for interpretation," he warned. "This means European companies struggle to understand their compliance obligations: a factor that significantly decreases business confidence and deters new investments in China," Dombrovskis said. The EU trade commissioner is on a multi-day visit to the world's second-biggest economy, where he is set to meet senior economic officials and press the bloc's case that it is not seeking an economic decoupling from China. His trip follows a report by the Chamber of Commerce of the European Union last week that showed business confidence was at one of its lowest levels in decades. "For decades, European companies thrived in China," the Chamber's president Jens Eskelund said. But, after three "turbulent" years, he said, "many have re-evaluated their basic assumptions about the Chinese market". And it comes in the face of mounting trade tensions between the EU and China, following Brussels' decision to launch a probe into Beijing's electric car subsidies. The investigation could see the EU try to protect European carmakers by imposing punitive tariffs on vehicles it believes are unfairly sold at a lower price. The day after that announcement, the Chinese commerce ministry hit back at the EU's "naked protectionism", and said the measures "will have a negative impact on China-EU economic and trade relations". Speaking in Beijing on Monday, Dombrovskis insisted China remained an attractive investment opportunity for European businesses. "The EU and China both benefited immensely from being open to the world," he said. "Trading and cooperating across borders helped to shape our economic and geopolitical strength." But, he said, growing challenges for business risked turning "what many saw as a 'win-win' relationship in past decades could become a 'lose-lose' dynamic in the coming years". Ukraine war China's refusal to condemn Russia's war in Ukraine also poses a "reputational risk", he said. Beijing's position "is affecting the country's image, not only with European consumers but also businesses", he said. China has sought to position itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict while offering Moscow a vital diplomatic and financial lifeline as its international isolation deepens. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is due to visit China next month. "China always advocates for each country being free to choose its own development path," Dombrovskis said. "So it's very difficult for us to understand China's stance on Russia's war against Ukraine, as it breaches China's own fundamental principles." The post EU businesses ‘questioning their position’ in China — trade commissioner appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCG condemns China-installed floating barrier in southeast part of Bajo de Masinloc
The Philippines has accused the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of building a "floating barrier" that forbids Filipinos from fishing in the contested area of the West Philippine Sea. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the barrier in part of the Scarborough Shoal prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the shoal and depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities. Images from the region, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines, showed Chinese boats set up and monitored several buoys and barriers arranged and protected by Chinese boats. Tarriela said the PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel found the Chinese boats setting up the 300-meter-long barrier on Friday while on a "routine maritime patrol." "Three CCG's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and Chinese Maritime Militia's service boat installed the floating barrier upon arrival of the BFAR vessel in the vicinity of the shoal. The Filipino fishermen reported that the CCG vessels usually install floating barriers whenever they monitor many Filipino fishermen in the area," Tarriela said. He added that the BFAR vessel observed more than 50 FFBs engaged in fishing activities in the area during the routine maritime patrol. Recognizing the importance of supporting the artisanal or subsistence fishing of these fishermen, Tariella said the BFAR provided them with various grocery items and fuel subsidies to sustain their operations. However, a total of four CCG vessels, namely CCG-3065, CCG-3066, CCG-3105, and CCG-3301, initiated a series of 15 radio challenges in an attempt to drive away the BFAR vessel and FFBs. "The CCG crew alleged that the presence of the BFAR vessel and Filipino fishermen violated international law and the domestic laws of the People's Republic of China (PRC)," Tariella said. "The BFAR vessel responded to each and every radio calls and emphasized that they were carrying out a routine patrol within the territorial sea of BDM," he added. Tariella further mentioned that the CCG vessels maintained a safe distance and moved away upon realizing the presence of media personnel onboard the BFAR vessel. "The PCG will continue to work closely with all concerned government agencies to address these challenges, uphold our maritime rights and protect our maritime domains," Tarriela said. However, the Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to comment on the matter. China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Beijing annexed the Scarborough Shoal in 2012, forcing Filipino fishermen to travel farther in search of lesser catches. During the period when bilateral ties were significantly improving under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, Beijing allowed Filipino fishermen to return to the uninhabited shoal. However, since Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his successor, gained government last year, tensions have increased once more. The post PCG condemns China-installed floating barrier in southeast part of Bajo de Masinloc appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian Games: Cebu’s Didal shoots for another gold
Cebuana Margielyn Didal will work on building her confidence as she defends her title in the Asian Games, which begins this weekend in Hangzhou, China. Didal remains a work in progress as far as revitalizing her drive to keep the Asian Games title is concerned. The 24-year-old Didal, who arrived with the four-athlete skateboarding team on.....»»
Coral pillage worries U.S.
The United States on Tuesday denounced the alleged coral-clearing activities of China at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In a tweet, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson described the reported coral destruction in the WPS as “troubling,” stressing that it would have adverse effects on the livelihood of people who depend on the sea for their livelihood. “Habitat damage harms ecosystems and negatively affects lives and livelihoods,” Carlson said. “We are working with our #FriendsPartnersAllies to protect the Philippines’ natural resources.” Carlson was referring to the massive coral harvesting at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, which are within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Over the weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command reported massive coral harvesting at Rozul Reef. The report of missing and destroyed corals came following the sighting of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area. The report was confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard, which made similar observations in the seabed of Escoda Shoal. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko also expressed alarm on the reported coral destruction in the West Philippine Sea. “Very alarming news. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats,” Koshikawa said in a tweet. “Let’s preserve and protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.” China fired back at Japan by saying the international community should be more concerned about Japan’s release of water from the out-of-commission Fukushima nuclear power plant. On Monday evening, the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, said it was “seriously concerned” about reports on the destruction of corals in Rozul Reef. “The Philippines has consistently raised the alarm over ecologically harmful activities conducted by foreign vessels in our maritime zone, an issue extensively discussed in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement. “We therefore call on everyone concerned to act responsibly and cease all activities that can damage our precious marine environment. The well-being of millions of people who depend on the South China Sea for their livelihood is at stake,” it added. Earlier, senators warned that the destruction of the shoal’s seabed could be in preparation for China’s reclamation activities in the area. The post Coral pillage worries U.S. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Warning to China
Deal with the slick, covetous country for who and what she really is, vis-a-vis the Scarborough Shoal or West Philippines Sea. Don’t fall for her “drama.” The interest of China in the WPS, transcendent of her main goal to grab it, is to win to her side the countries whom she considers obstacles to carrying out their delusive agenda, not to mention her machinations to maliciously involve the United States in the issue (by propaganda/psywar) and put in bad light the merely “internationally concerned” superpower country. China’s “10-dash line,” though a fresh/new figment of its imagination, is now passe/obsolete because the Philippines has an “11-dash line,” as I have just drawn a map that contains it, and which Filipinos can present to the current Chinese officials so that the Philippine government may (perchance) be able to convince them to come to their senses and stop their illegal activities in the disputed sea. All that China can do with its “10-dash line” is to play their “cheat and steal” game with it. They have revised their “nine-dash line” because the old map did not stand in the Permanent Court of Arbitration and will never ever stand in any court of law (for humans) anywhere in the universe. But let them be informed herein that the Philippines has thus far made her own “11-dash line” map. Ano pa laban nila? 10 lang ang kanila, 11 ang sa atin (What is there to beat? Theirs is only 10; ours is 11). China cautioned other countries about courting a new Cold War (by offending China) during the recent ASEAN Summit in Indonesia when, as a matter of imperative, China should have been the one that received a warning (more than caution), not only from the ASEAN member nations but from the entire world — on account of her continuing aggression and illegal actions in the WPS that destabilize the region and will so “destabilize” the world, ultimately. But, alas, what the Philippines, the ASEAN, and the world are doing seems to be just all talk, useless talks, when the only talk that may matter to solve the problem (with finality) is a bilateral talk between the Philippines and China. It was reported in June this year that China is willing to dialogue with the Philippines to resolve the issue. Did our government ignore it? Three months later, I read another news that said, “Zhou Zhiyong, the Chinese Embassy’s deputy chief of mission and minister counselor, also claimed that Beijing had been reaching out to Manila, but it had yet to respond to China’s proposed bilateral talks on tensions in the South China Sea.” Were all these fake news? I don’t think so because I read them from reputable media outlets. Thus, are our officials playing callous toward the best possible solution to end our already boiling squabble with China, with China trying to initiate the move? However, China’s sincerity must be tested when the talk commences. I am sure this one is not fake news. China has been using “local operators” to divide the Philippines on the WPS issue. It is time, indeed, for our officials to do something about this handful of noisy traitors and apostates, much less those who are part of the media or Philippine media. Pronto. Reni M. Valenzuela renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com The post Warning to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Women’s tennis returns to China after Peng Shuai boycott
Professional women's tennis tournaments return to China on Monday, less than two years after the WTA vowed to boycott the country out of concern for player Peng Shuai and risks to its players and staff. The WTA tournament opening Monday in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou will be the first in mainland China since 2019 -- and while no top-20 stars are expected to attend, it is set to attract plenty of attention. The WTA suspended activities in China in December 2021, when former world doubles number one Peng briefly disappeared after making -- and then withdrawing -- accusations of sexual assault against a senior Chinese leader. Saying the issue was "bigger than business", the tennis body insisted it would not hold events in China until Beijing guaranteed the safety of Peng. "Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China," WTA chief Steve Simon said at the time. Peng published a long social media post in November 2021 saying she had been "forced" into sex during a years-long, on-and-off relationship with Zhang Gaoli, a married ex-vice premier of China 39 years her senior. She has since denied she accused anyone of sexual assault and described the situation as a "huge misunderstanding". Peng has not been seen outside China since the allegations were made. In April this year though, the WTA announced the resumption of tournaments, admitting its "principled stand... a powerful message to the world" had not been able "to bring about change". "It was, in my opinion, a complete capitulation, because it was pretty obvious to anyone who knows anything about China that China wasn't going to offer a free or fair investigation into the sexual assault claims," China-based sports expert Mark Dreyer told AFP. "I really do feel they've undone all that good will that they had gained by taking a principled stance." Dreyer added that the suspension had been largely symbolic as most international sporting events were put on hold during the pandemic under China's strict zero-Covid policy. - An economic choice - China is a crucial market for the WTA, given the quality of local infrastructure and investment as well as TV rights and sponsorship deals with mainland partners. "The choice to return is an economic one," Lionel Maltese, a former member of the executive committee of the French Tennis Federation, told AFP. "The income generated in China has a strong impact on the financing and income of all players." Before the pandemic, the WTA organized 10 tournaments in China each year -- with a total of $30 million in prize money -- out of more than 60 tournaments globally. These included the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, which in 2019 offered the largest tennis prize in history: $4.4 million. China is also home to five players on the world's top 100 list. They include 20-year-old Zheng Qinwen, world number 22 and recent quarter-finalist at the US Open, and 21-year-old Wang Xinyu, this year's French Open women's doubles winner. These stars have boosted the popularity of tennis in China, along with the market's economic potential. "If you have enough big names, the money will come, the tournaments will come," Dreyer told AFP. - 'Convictions' - The headliners in Guangzhou are likely to be world number 24 Magda Linette from Poland and Romania's Sorana Cirstea, currently world number 26. It is unclear if any players will be vocal about Peng, with Maltese saying there was "no leadership among players on ethical issues". "Very few athletes are taking a stand," he said. But France's Alize Cornet, ranked 99th globally, announced this week she would skip the tournament. "Staying true to my convictions and careful about my health, I decided that I will not be playing in China this year," she wrote on social media. Peng herself could make an appearance. After her initial disappearance from public view, she has made what appeared to be orchestrated appearances at multiple sporting events, including the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. ehl-tjx/reb/qan © Agence France-Presse The post Women’s tennis returns to China after Peng Shuai boycott appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro sounds off on AFP modernization shift
Even before the country can complete its so-called Horizons Modernization Program to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. yesterday said there is a pressing need to “re-vision and re-horizon” the country’s security posture. “This is a task I have given the [AFP] general headquarters — aligned with past pronouncements that we have to re-vision and re-horizon our strategic thoughts — from strategic principles, defense planning, to our modernization,” Teodoro said. The defense chief issued the statement during the christening and commissioning of the BRP Valentin Diaz (PS177) and the BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178) at Philippine Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard in Manila. He said the “re-horizon” would be to make the country’s armed forces “more responsive to the challenges of the times, adding that there’s a need to “preserve a rules-based international order.” The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa were acquired through US foreign military financing and its Excess Defense Article Program. The vessels were valued at $13.8 million dollars or P780 million. “This is a welcome and timely addition to the Philippine fleet because the sooner we can complete, of course in coordination with our partners in the Philippine Coast Guard, our littoral defenses, the sooner we can pursue our vast position in defending our sovereign rights,” Teodoro said. The Philippines must be able to present credible deterrence through a more modern AFP, Teodoro said. Collaboration US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the commissioning of the two latest Philippine Navy ships is an “illustration of Washington’s continued collaboration” with the Philippines in pursuit of the modernization goals of the AFP. “This ceremony symbolizes continued US support for our Philippine Navy allies, who are on the frontlines defending Philippine sovereign rights in the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea,” she added. “The Philippines is the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific, merited by the ambitious agenda we have set together for our alliance,” Carlson said. The BRP Valentin Diaz, formerly the USS Chinook, is the ninth Cyclone-class patrol ship of the US Navy. The BRP Ladislao Diwa, formerly the USS Monsoon, is the US Navy’s fourth Cyclone-class patrol ship. The two patrol vessels were transferred upon decommissioning in Bahrain on 18 March and were delivered to the Philippines last May. Carlson said: “Their dedicated service and the missions they undertake are central to the shared US-Philippine goal of ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Carlson said. “The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa are entering into service for the Philippine Navy at an important time when the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly complex,” she added. Long-term plan “From patrolling Philippine waters to protecting legitimate economic activities and combating illegal fishing, to delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the missions undertaken by these two vessels will not be easy,” she said. The AFP’s Horizons Modernization Program is a long-term plan divided into three phases, or Horizons, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the AFP’s modernization. Horizon 1 (2013-2022) prioritized the acquisition of new equipment and weapons systems, as well as the enhancement of AFP trainings and doctrine. Horizon 1 acquisitions included FA-50PH light fighter jets, S-211 combat utility helicopters, and the BRP Jose Rizal frigate. Horizon 2 (2023-2028) focuses on the strategic capabilities of the AFP, such as its ability to project power and conduct joint operations. Horizon 2’s key projects include the acquisition of submarines, the construction of new naval bases, and the development of a missile defense system. Horizon 3 (2029-2034) is concerned with the overall readiness and sustainability of the AFP. Some of the key projects under Horizon 3 include the improvement of the AFP’s logistics and maintenance capabilities and the development of a comprehensive human resources plan. The total cost of the Horizons modernization program is estimated to be around P1 trillion. The government has allocated P75 billion for Horizon 1, P150 billion for Horizon 2, and P175 billion for Horizon 3. The post Teodoro sounds off on AFP modernization shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China using false narrative — AFP
The China Coast Guard is using a false narrative in its recent dangerous maneuvers in trying to block a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on 7 September, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Saturday. At the weekly Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said the Philippine Navy offered to help a Chinese rubber boat in distress in Ayungin Shoal only to be scorned and blamed for the incident. “Troops offered assistance to help China, but China refused.. and another boat came to their rescue,” Aguilar said. He narrated that one of China’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats was entangled in a fishing line while it was tailing Philippine vessels heading to Ayungin Shoal to resupply troops there. Aguilar said while the Chinese boat's refusal to accept aid from Philippine forces was expected, what surprised the troops was Beijing’s radio call that blamed Filipinos for the incident. “They still have the guts to challenge our radio message: ‘Philippine Coast Guard because of your maneuvers, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel came into problem,’” he said. Aguilar called these as “another narrative that they will tell their people." “After this incident, they will come up with their own narrative to tell their people about what happened,” Aguilar said. “We don’t want the truth to be drowned by what happened,” he said. Aguilar also described the CCG's behavior as "misplaced bullying" amid its continued aggression in the country’s territorial waters. “The CCG is a misplaced bully at the WPS,” Aguilar said. This is the third resupply mission after the 5 August incident when the CCG used water cannons against the PCG fleet conducting a similar mission. Another resupply mission was conducted and completed on 22 August. Despite the efforts of the Chinese vessels, the AFP said the resupply mission was successful. “As far as the AFP is concerned, we always refer to existing laws in defining what is our maritime zone right now,” Aguilar said. On the other end, Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the PCG, said several CCG ships and maritime militia vessels tried to block the PCG ships to stop the resupply mission. “It is very important for the government… for us to be more transparent on what is happening in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. “We face the media, we give them the true story. The media will play a very important role in curtailing this fake news that spreads every time they release these narratives,” Tarriella said. He added that China, which has been illegally claiming almost the entire South China Sea, has been pushing the narrative that the Philippines is acting on behalf of the US when it comes to the West Philippine Sea issue. Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group and is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, over which the country has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded at the Ayungin Shoal since 1999 where a dozen marines and sailors are aboard the ship, which has become a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the offshore territory. The post China using false narrative — AFP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines’ Marcos opposes ‘militia vessels’ in South China Sea
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos told leaders at a summit in Indonesia on Thursday to oppose the use of "coast guard and maritime militia vessels" in the South China Sea, where Manila has a territorial dispute with Beijing. Philippine ships have been harassed several times in recent months by Chinese vessels in the disputed waterway, an important trade route where other Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia also have claims. Marcos told the 18-nation East Asia Summit, which was attended by China, that Manila was concerned about the installation of military facilities on reclaimed features such as outcrops and reefs, as well as violations of international law. "We are concerned over consistent actions that are in violation of obligations under international law," Marcos said, according to a transcript of his remarks released by the presidential palace. "We must oppose the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea." He did not mention any country by name at the summit, which was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and US Vice President Kamala Harris. Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannon on August 5 at a Filipino ship on a mission to resupply marines stationed at a World War II-era ship on Second Thomas Shoal. Another resupply mission to the shoal was also harassed later that month. China defended its actions in the area as "professional". The Philippines deliberately grounded the ship to stake its claims on the shoal in the disputed sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. China, which has built military facilities on reclaimed territory, has urged the Philippines to remove the ship. It has also used boats, which Manila described as "militia vessels", to enforce its claims against smaller neighbors. Marcos said countries must not allow tensions in the South China Sea to escalate further and urged "all parties to exercise self-restraint and refrain from unilateral" actions that would increase tensions and risk miscalculations. China released a new map ahead of Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings in Jakarta this week in which its maritime claims overlapped with those of other countries. The map sparked strong protests from Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. mba/jfx/pbt © Agence France-Presse The post Philippines’ Marcos opposes ‘militia vessels’ in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
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......»»