PH reiterates ‘peaceful solution’ amid China military video

MANILA, Philippines – Following China’s release of a new video aimed at recruiting more military personnel, the Philippines reiterated its call for a “peaceful resolution” to the maritime dispute over the South China Sea.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday, August 16, that Manila will continue to follow the rule of law, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and an eventual ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

The arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague heard oral arguments on the question of jurisdiction on the dispute. The tribunal is expected to make a decision by early 2016. 

“The Philippines has won international respect and recognition for resorting to arbitration, and we reiterate our invitation to China to join in this process. We will continue resolutely on this path, not only to protect our national interests, but also to promote regional and global peace, stability and prosperity,” the DFA said in a statement. 

Malacanang on Saturday, August 15, said it is unfazed by the video, as it is intent on pursuing the diplomatic track in resolving the case.

The 4-minute, 23-second video showcased China’s vast military power as it featured warships, submarines, fighter-jets, and aircraft carriers along its claimed waters.

“Well, obviously, it’s a recruitment video. It’s intended to entice their people to join their organizations. But as far as we’re concerned, really, for us, we concentrate on the tracks that we have taken and we concentrate on our initiatives,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run radio DZRB.

Valte reiterated that the Philippines’ relationship with the Asian giant is not limited to the issue.

“Our relationship with China…is of different levels. It is multi-faceted. And just because we have an issue with them in terms of the maritime dispute does not mean that we will not work with them on other levels,” she said.

The Philippines and China are in dispute over strategic islands, reefs, and shoals in the South China Sea, the site of coveted fishing areas and potentially vast deposits of oil and gas. Manila refers to the parts it claims as the West Philippine Sea. 

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims over the waters. China asserts “indisputable sovereignty” over almost the entire sea. – Rappler.com