Philippines not “too soft” on China, one with ASEAN in raising concern over activities in disputed waters, official says

February 7, 2018

The Philippines is not treating China "too soft" as it was one with the other Southeast Asian countries in raising concern over China's continuous reclamation in the disputed South China Sea, an official said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a phone patch interview with reporters, echoed the call of the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to continue discussion on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

"We are not being too soft (with China). But we have the established policy there. Number one is we are of course one with ASEAN in recognizing that this is a concern of all ASEAN countries, the freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea0," he said.

"Number two of course, our common concern is peace, security and stability in one of the world's busiest sea lanes," he said.

In the previous press briefings, Roque virtually admitted that the Philippines could not do anything about China's continuous build up and militarization in South China Sea.

Despite the award by the arbitral tribunal to the Philippine petition in 2016, declaring as invalid China's historic claim over almost the entire South China Sea, the Duterte administration has refused to insist on the ruling.

President Rodrigo Duterte has instead decided to take a friendly stance with China.

In a meeting on Tuesday in Singapore, ASEAN foreign ministers have raised concern on China's continuous land reclamation and activities in the disputed waters.

According to them, China's activities have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region.

Aside from China and the Philippines, ASEAN countries, such as Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, and Taiwan have also claims in the South China Sea. Celerina Monte/DMS