Asean, Australia issue joint declaration on sea row

MANILA, Philippines — The push for stricter compliance with the rule of law in the South China Sea has gained greater momentum with the issuance of a joint declaration by Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) against aggressive acts in disputed waters, a Manila-based think tank said yesterday.

In their joint statement, leaders of ASEAN and Australia reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

“The declaration has raised the level of regional cooperation amidst a changing geopolitical environment where the Philippines is a major stakeholder,” said Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADR Institute.

He said the signatories stressed the “importance of non-militarization and the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may complicate the situation.” He did not specifically mention the building of island fortresses by China, including in the West Philippine Sea.

The declaration came at the end of a two-day special summit between Australia and the 10-member regional bloc, where the Philippines was represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano. President Duterte was the only head of state who skipped the event.

“We emphasize the importance of non-militarization and the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may complicate the situation,” the statement said.

ASEAN and Australia reaffirmed the need for states to pursue the peaceful resolutions of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to comply with the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In this regard, ASEAN and Australia said they support the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety “and look forward to an early conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).”

At the same event, Vietnam and Australia released a joint statement on their “strategic partnership.” 

The joint statement, Manhit said, “shows how two nations with different political systems are able to build respect and shared interests that have become a model for bilateral cooperation that is aligned with the strong pronouncements of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.”

The partnership covers a wide range of areas, including political cooperation, economic development, defense and security, education and culture, among others.

“ASEAN’s unequivocal support for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and non-militarization springs a new momentum for the government and a strong message against actions that run counter to building regional trust and confidence,” he added.

Prudent cooperation

Meanwhile, Beijing’s top diplomat state councilor Wang Yi said China will prudently advance cooperation with the Philippines on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea.

Wang gave the assurance after meeting Cayetano, his Philippine counterpart.