Gov’t: No compromise in arbitration case vs China

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang will not enter into any compromise in the arbitration case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to press the country’s maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.

Speaking to reporters, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said China’s investments will not stop the Philippines from pursuing the arbitration case filed against China concerning the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“With respect to South China Sea, we have made a stand,” he said. “Let’s resort to arbitration. This cannot be done in any other way.”

Lacierda said the friendly statements of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua during last Tuesday night’s celebration of the 13th China-Philippines Friendship Day and the 116th Philippine Independence Day are welcome.

Trade and investments between the two countries, along with other exchanges such as tourism, must be considered, he added.

Lacierda said the Philippines could engage China positively, with the exception of the arbitration case.

“We certainly welcome the change of tone, one that would foster understanding between China and the Philippines when it comes to the South China Sea. We would certainly hope that the exchange between China and the Philippines when it comes to rhetoric would be diminished and rather emphasize the more positive aspects of (the relations), ensuring that we come up with a resolution to this unfortunate incident in the South China Sea,” he said.

Lacierda said the Philippines had always maintained the position that the dispute must be resolved through diplomatic means.

“We have deliberately de-escalated our rhetoric when it comes to the South China Sea,” he said. “So it’s certainly a welcome change for us to hear the Chinese ambassador speaking in a more friendly tone.”

“It’s a good statement. It’s a welcome statement for us. But let’s see as to the official (Chinese) foreign ministry statement. Hopefully, they will also share the same kind of change of tone as the Chinese ambassador. We certainly would hope so but it’s (kind of) early to tell. Let’s just wait for the statements coming from the other side.” 

Zhao said China and the Philippines must handle the dispute in a proper and peaceful manner.

He said the Chinese government has always attached great importance to its relations with the Philippines.

Intra-regional trade volume has exceeded $3 trillion while the level of trade interdependence has surpassed 50 percent, he added.

Zhao said China had been a major driving force for Asia’s economic development and had contributed to more than 50 percent of Asia’s economic growth.

“China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have become more important trade and investment partners,” he said.

In 2013, two-way trade between China and ASEAN reached $443.6 billion, a 10.9 percent increase on a yearly basis. The accumulated value of China’s investment in ASEAN countries exceeded $100 billion, and China has set up around 2,500 direct investment enterprises in ASEAN countries.

Zhao said China had been the largest trading partner of ASEAN for four and a half consecutive years.

ASEAN and China announced in the joint statement issued in October 2013 that both sides would strive for the bilateral trade target of $1 trillion and two-way investment of $150 billion by 2020, he said.

Zhao said China is actively promoting the upgraded version of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, building the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century, and preparing to set up the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank.