Philippines, China commit to South China Sea freedom of navigation

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea during their third bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) meeting in Beijing on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“Believing that the proper management of disputes in the South China Sea is vital in safeguarding regional peace and stability, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, freedom of international commerce and other peaceful uses of the sea,” the DFA said in a statement Thursday.

Both sides also agreed to address territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations among claimant states.

They also reiterated commitment to exercise self-restraint in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Philippine delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for policy Enrique Manalo with Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou leading the Chinese delegation.

The third meeting of the BCM comprised equivalent officials from the respective foreign ministries and relevant agencies.

The DFA said both sides reiterated the commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct Parties in the South China Sea signed in 2002 between China and ASEAN countries in its entirety and to work closely with other ASEAN member-states towards early consensus on the code of conduct.

Manila and Beijing also tackled maritime cooperation in areas such as in the South China Sea, including maritime search and rescue, maritime safety, marine environmental protection/marine scientific research and fisheries.

“Without prejudice to their respective positions on sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, both sides also discussed possible cooperation on joint exploration and development of maritime oil and gas,” the DFA said.

The fourth meeting of the BCM will be held in the Philippines in the first half of 2019.

The Philippines and China recognized the importance of the BCM as a venue for enhanced and regular dialogue that can play a significant role in the stable development of bilateral relations, through which both sides could address differences, prevent and properly manage incidents at sea and enhance maritime dialogue and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday expressed concern over the planned joint exploration of the Philippines with China.

“I feel that government should demand from them a recognition of our sovereign rights over whatever property will be used for any partnerships,” Robredo said at a forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

She stressed the joint exploration should follow provisions in the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said he is willing to build a “close personal friendship” with newly appointed Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

In a statement released by the Chinese embassy in Manila, Wang said he wants to foster ties with Locsin to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

“I am willing to establish a good working relationship and a close personal friendship with you to further deepen strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, keep close contacts and coordination on regional and international issues, jointly promote healthy and stable development of the bilateral ties and maintain regional peace and stability,” Wang said.

Locsin, who served as the country’s envoy to the United Nations, was sworn in as DFA secretary on Wednesday, replacing Alan Peter Cayetano, who is seeking a congressional seat in Taguig in next year’s elections.