Philippine President seeks negotiations to resolve South China Sea dispute

(Baonghean.vn) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to use his role as rotating chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to gain concessions from China on the East Sea issue during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping this month.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: SCMP

At the recent ASEAN summit in Manila late last month, the President of the Philippines, who serves as rotating chair, led ASEAN leaders to discuss a range of key challenges facing the region, from terrorism and transnational crime to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The Philippine leader did not miss the opportunity to use his role as rotating ASEAN chair to defend his controversial war on drugs, which has been heavily criticized by Western powers and the international media.

President Duterte called on Western powers to “learn to respect” Asian nations and treat them as sovereign nations. Member states also agreed to step up joint efforts in the fight against transnational crime and terrorism.

However, the highlight of the conference was the continuous negotiations surrounding ASEAN's stance on the East Sea dispute, causing increased tensions between China and some member countries, especially Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Former Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay threatened to disrupt Duterte’s warm relationship with Beijing by suggesting that the Philippines’ case in the South China Sea could be a potential agenda item for ASEAN meetings. In particular, some senior officials, especially in the Philippines, have suggested that the arbitration ruling itself could be used as a reference point for drafting a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea.

In addition, at the recently concluded ASEAN summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo urged ASEAN to “immediately resolve the dispute” and adopt a common stance on the issue. Surprisingly, however, President Duterte rejected proposals from several regional countries, including Vietnam, to address China’s reclamation activities and increased militarization of disputed waters.

The Philippine leader has pledged to finalize the framework for the code of conduct by the end of the year, but has faced criticism for not taking tougher measures to resolve disputes in the South China Sea, especially with China.

With the Philippine President scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping this month at the Silk Road Initiative summit, the Philippine leader is expected to avoid any diplomatic conflict with Beijing. During the talks, Mr. Duterte is expected to seek concessions in exchange for Manila preventing ASEAN countries from taking a tough and strong stance on the East Sea issue./.

Lan Ha

(According to SCMP)