DFA chief: China not above international law

MANILA, Philippines - China is not above the law and should heed calls by the international community that it respect whatever is decided by an arbitration court on Manila’s case against Beijing’s expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea. 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario issued the statement yesterday in response to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s accusing the Philippines of “political provocation” in seeking arbitration for its territorial spat with Beijing. Wang made the accusation in a speech before a gathering in Washington organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

“As we presume to be responsible states, the Philippines, as well as the international community, are asking China to respect the forthcoming ruling of the arbitral tribunal and together advance an international rules-based regime,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

“If China does not heed our collective call, does it mean that China considers itself above the law?” 

Wang said the decision by Philippine leaders to lodge a case with the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague was “irresponsible to the Filipino people and the future of the Philippines.”

China has refused to participate in the proceedings. A ruling is expected later this year, after the tribunal decided last October that it could hear the case.

“We note that Foreign Minister Wang said that China is a member of the international community and that it abides by international law. We have had countless meetings with China to try to address the issue between the two of us to no avail. We have invited China many times to join us in arbitration as early as 2012, again to no avail,” Del Rosario said.

Meanwhile, a Philippine Navy cargo vessel on troop transport and re-supply operations in the vicinity of Hasa-hasa (Half Moon) Shoal last month was harassed by Chinese naval and maritime surveillance ships.

Hasa-hasa Shoal, 60 nautical miles from the southern portion of mainland Palawan, is also being claimed by China under its nine-dash line.

Information obtained by The STAR showed that BRP Laguna was sailing from Rizal Reef to Lawak Island when five Chinese vessels appeared and made hostile maneuvers before midnight of Feb. 5 up to dawn of Feb. 6.

“Aside from the two gray ships and three white Chinese ships, two Chinese helicopters also hovered over the BRP Laguna,” said an informed source.

“The captain ordered the shutting down of lights inside the ship and nobody was allowed among us aboard to use flashlights even if we needed to go to the comfort room,” one of the passengers of the Navy ship said.

The Chinese vessels later dropped anchor not far from the mooring area of BRP Laguna in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island.   – Jaime Laude