US to China: Exercise self-restraint

WASHINGTON – China should abide by its commitment to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability in the region, the US State Department said.

US State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke was commenting on a report by IHS, a London-based security group, that China was constructing basically a new island in the disputed Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea capable of having an airstrip and harbor.

“Large-scale construction or major steps to militarize or expand law enforcement operations at outposts, such as dramatically expanding the size of a feature through land reclamation, would seem to complicate or escalate the situation in our view,” Rathke said.

He pointed out that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) committed themselves 12 years ago to a code of conduct in the South China Sea and as such should be transparent about their activities in disputed areas of the sea.

Code of Conduct

In Manila, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said yesterday a Code of Conduct (COC) has become more important and necessary following China’s reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea.

“That is why the Philippines is working closely with ASEAN for the early conclusion of a legally binding COC, which will govern the behavior and actions of claimant countries in the South China Sea,” he said.

“In the meantime that we are still working on the COC, we are also working closely with ASEAN for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 ASEAN-China DOC.”

A Chinese state-run paper urged the Philippines and Vietnam to become accustomed to China’s reclamation efforts in the West Philippine Sea.

In an editorial published on Monday, the Global Times said China occupies an “advantageous military position” in the contested waters.

However, the editorial said China will not take the initiative to compete with Vietnam and the Philippines to get maritime features by force.

“Vietnam and the Philippines should get used to China’s island-construction in the South China Sea,” read the editorial. “We hope that the US can also get used to China’s more frequent presence in the seas.”

Satellite imagery obtained by London-based security group IHS Jane showed that in the past three months Chinese dredges have created a landmass that almost covers the entire length of Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reef in the Spratlys.

2 Vietnamese ships dock in Manila

Two Vietnamese Navy ships are in Manila for a goodwill visit.

Vietnam People’s Navy vessels Dinh Tien Hoang and Ly Thai To arrived Monday in South Harbor for a port call.

Commodore Elmer Carrillo, Naval Engineering Construction Brigade commander, led a Philippine Navy receiving party in welcoming the two ships.

Rear Adm. Nguyen Van Kiem, Vietnam People’s Navy deputy chief of staff, led the ship’s more than 200 officers and crew.

In a statement issued yesterday, Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said the visit will include activities like goodwill games, ship tour and receptions to promote camaraderie and friendship between the two navies.

“This first port call is a positive and good sign of the improving and deepening relations between the Philippine Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy,” she said.

The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen ties in the wake of China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea.

Last May, the Philippines and Vietnam announced plans to form a “strategic partnership” following China’s unilateral expansion in those waters.

Speaking to reporters after their meeting in Malacañang, President Aquino and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said China’s acts have violated international law and have created an “extremely dangerous situation.”

They also called on the international community to demand that China stop its illegal acts and to fully observe international law.

The Philippines and Vietnam signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2010. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Alexis Romero