The Philippines was the one that initiated the termination of oil exploration talks with China, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. revealed Thursday.In his speech during the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Foundation Day, Locsin said both sides tried to negotiate for… Read More
The ongoing maritime row between the Philippines and China will not hinder plan to possibly hold a joint exploration for oil and gas resources in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), Malacañang said on Tuesday.“Kaya nga po mayroong usapin na habang hindi pa nareresolba… Read More Also Read: CHINA EXPLORING OIL … Continue reading Sea row won’t hinder possible PH-China joint oil deal→
Chinese scientists drill in contested area amid rising tensions Chinese scientists have carried out deep-sea drilling in the disputed South China Sea to obtain sediment core, according to state media, a move that is expected to fuel tensions in the region. They retrieved the sediment core – measuring 231 metres (758 feet) – using a Chinese-made drilling … Continue reading CHINA EXPLORING OIL IN DISPUTED SOUTH CHINA SEA→
PH protests ‘provocative acts’ of Chinese gov’t ships in WPS
Some Chinese government vessels have committed “provocative acts”, including illegally sending radio challenges against Philippine authorities patrolling the country’s waters, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday night.
In a statement posted on its official Twitter account, the DFA said it protested the “unlawful issuance of over 200 radio challenges, sounding of sirens, and blowing of horns by Chinese government vessels” against Filipino authorities “conducting legitimate, customary, and routine patrols over and around the Philippines’ territory and maritime zones.”
“These provocative acts threaten the peace, good order, and security of the South China Sea and run contrary to China’s obligations under international law,” it said.Read More
Raising arbitral ruling on West Philippine Sea ‘a futile exercise’
Malacañang rejected a former Cabinet official’s suggestion to raise the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea at the 74th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, describing it as a “futile exercise.”
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo dismissed former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario’s suggestion, saying the UN body has no power to enforce the Philippines’ legal victory over China.
“For one, it’s a futile exercise. Why? Because the UN has no enforcement force,” Panelo said in a media interview.
Del Rosario cited the case of Nicaragua against the United States where the UN had supported the legal victory of the former by adopting a resolution calling for full compliance with the judgment of the International Court of Justice.
“Nicaragua’s resort to the UN had the effect of securing international publicity and of gaining favorable global opinion. The United States continued to defy the UN resolutions, until later on, it ultimately provided a substantial aid package to Nicaragua,” del Rosario said.
Panelo, however, said that despite this resolution, there was no further development on Nicaragua’s case.
“He is citing the case of Nicaragua. Did anything happen there? None. It remained the same,” Panelo said.
The Palace official reiterated that President Rodrigo R. Duterte still finds his method of holding bilateral talks with China as the most effective.
“There is impasse but the talks are still ongoing. At the same time, he negotiates with respect to other areas of concern mutually beneficial to both (countries),” Panelo said.
On Monday, del Rosario urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to “formulate a strategy on how the global village of nations can be convinced to take a stand on the rule of law in support of the Philippines.”
For del Rosario, the UN General Assembly is “an excellent venue because all countries will listen and the Philippines can present a case for the UN to reassert that right is might and the rule of law must be upheld.”
The Philippines is scheduled to speak before the UN on September 28. (PNA)
President RodrigoRoaDuterte returned to Manila on Sundayafter productive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.
The President’sfive-day official visit, his fifth to China, opened with a bilateral meeting with President Xi on 29 August 2019 at theDiaoyutaiGuest House.
The two Leaders reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and China andrenewedtheircommitment tofurther enhanceour countries’Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation.
Presidents Duterte and Xi had candid andopen exchangeofviews on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, including the Arbitral Award which the Philippines won in 2016.
Acknowledging the importance of aCode of Conduct(COC)in theSouth China Seato regional peace and stability, the two Presidents expressed determination to fast track negotiations for the conclusion ofan effective and substantive COC at the soonest possible time.
President Duterteconveyedthe Philippines’ commitmentto enhanceASEAN’s engagement with China duringour country’sstewardship oftheASEAN-ChinaDialogue.
The Presidentalsomet Premier Li Keqiang andreiterated the Philippines’ strong resolve to further expand economic ties and people-to-people exchanges with China for mutual benefit.Helikewisestressed the importance of completing infrastructure projects with China with favorable financing arrangements.
Premier Li, for his part, stated that the Philippines is an important partner of China in Southeast Asia and that China is ready to step up cooperation in support of the “Build, Build, Build” Program to deliver win-win outcomes.
A total of six (6) agreements were signed during the visit,covering cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, finance, and customs, among others.
The President also metwithChinese and Filipinoinvestors,includingkey business leaders in thePhilippine construction industry,during the Philippines-China Business Forumorganized by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Presidentlikewisegracedin Beijingthe Opening Ceremony of the 2019 FIBA Basketball Word Cup as special guest of President Xi, the only foreign leader invited to the event.
In Guangzhou,Guangdong Province,the President was welcomed byChinese Vice President WangQishanand top political leaders ofthe province.
The Presidentthen witnessed the game ofGilasPilipinasagainst Italy in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World CupattheFoshan International Sports and Cultural Center in Foshan.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo dismissed former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario’s suggestion, saying the UN body has no power to enforce the Philippines’ legal victory over China.
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