Identify claimants to Spratlys — China

China urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday to decide whether Singapore and other "non claimant" countries could be included in a declaration to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"The ball is now on the ASEAN side," Chinese Embassy press attaché Wang Luo said in an interview. "With respect to that (issue with Singapore), consensus among ASEAN members is needed. After the ASEAN countries reach a consensus, then they will discuss that consensus with China."

However, sources at the Department of Foreign Affairs said China’s proposal would "further delay" the adoption of a South China Sea declaration.

"If Singaporeans have other means to convey their concern, the Chinese side would like to ask other countries not to object," sources quoted a Chinese official as saying.

The same Chinese official reportedly said the arguments of Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines are "very convincing" that cooperation on confidence building measures should be limited to the countries in dispute.

Sources said Singapore wants ASEAN not to confine to "parties concerned" the South China Sea declaration and to include "non-claimants" in the discussion.

The declaration will cover marine environmental protection, marine scientific research, safety in navigation and communication at sea, search and rescue operation and combating transnational crime, including but not limited to trafficking in illicit drugs, piracy and armed robbery at sea, and illegal traffic in arms.

The declaration also urges the parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, among others, refraining from settling or erecting structures on uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, and cays.

Pending the peaceful settlement of territorial disputes, the "parties concerned" must intensify efforts to seek ways, in the spirit of cooperation and understanding, to build trust among "claimant" countries. – Aurea Calica