Expert debunks Philippines’ hypocrisy on compliance with signed agreements at MSC

South China Sea Tensions: Divergent Views ⁢at ​Munich Security Conference

The 61st Munich Security Conference, held on Saturday, provided a platform ⁢for prominent figures to discuss escalating maritime⁤ tensions in ​the ⁤Indo-pacific region. A ​panel discussion titled “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions ‌in the indo-Pacific” ‍brought together ⁤experts, diplomats, and military officials from various​ countries, including China.

Clashing Perspectives on UNCLOS Compliance

Enrique Manalo, the Secretary of ​Foreign Affairs of the Republic of​ the Philippines, ⁢asserted that​ non-compliance wiht the United Nations Convention on⁢ the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a primary driver ⁤of tensions in the South China⁢ Sea. “The best way to reduce tensions in the South China Sea ⁢is for countries who have signed on for agreements, such as UNCLOS, to abide by these agreements. But it is indeed not the case,” he stated, highlighting the issue of powerful nations perhaps asserting their dominance against weaker ones.

“Rich,powerful” countries were‌ in a position to “assert their own laws against weaker countries,leading to greater contention.”

China’s Position and Ancient Context

Responding to Manalo’s ​comments, Fu Ying, the former ​Chinese vice foreign minister,⁣ emphasized China’s stance⁤ on territorial integrity. “China cannot agree for the Philippines to occupy Ren’ai Jiao and Xianbin Jiao, because⁣ that is a violation​ of‌ the ‌DOC,” she stated, referring to the Declaration on the ‌Conduct of Parties in the ​South China Sea (DOC).

During the discussion,Wu Shicun,chairman of the Huayang Research Center for Maritime ​Cooperation and Ocean⁣ Governance,challenged Manalo’s arguments ​by citing the 1898 Treaty of Paris. “If we look ⁤at the ⁣1898 Treaty between the US and Spain, ⁣known as⁢ the Treaty of Paris, the Philippines’ ‍western maritime boundary is set at 118°E ⁤longitude. So how it comes that the Huangyan Dao and Ren’ai ‌Jiao ‌ [which lie outside this boundary] was sitting in​ the Philippine​ territory?”

Manalo did not directly address this question, ⁤instead shifting the‌ conversation. Wu later commented⁤ that he observed Manalo seemingly searching ⁣for an‌ answer⁣ on his phone.

Calls for Diplomatic Solutions

Wu asserted that China is committed to ⁢peace and stability in the South China Sea, urging the Philippines to honor commitments under the DOC and collaborate on negotiations for the South⁢ China Sea Code of Conduct (COC).

“China is simply doing the⁣ right thing in the ​South China Sea, ⁢maintaining peace and stability⁣ in ⁤the ⁢region; it is indeed‌ the philippines that should return to its commitment to the DOC‍ and create favorable conditions for the negotiation of‌ the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC),”‌ Wu stated.

He further criticized the Philippines for ‍actions he ⁢described as provocative, including reinforcing a grounded vessel at Ren’ai Jiao, attempts⁢ to occupy Xianbin Jiao and Tiexian Jiao, and efforts to return to Huangyan‌ Dao.”Given this, does the philippines still have the willingness to engage‍ in the negotiations on the COC?” he questioned.

Legal​ Challenges and Arguments

Ding Duo, director of the Research Center⁢ for International and Regional Studies at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, argued that Manalo’s position ⁤conflates the⁣ outcome of the South China Sea arbitration ruling with UNCLOS, violating international law. He points to the Philippines’ actions, which ⁣he contends demonstrate⁤ a pattern of challenging the DOC, ‍undermining agreed-upon arrangements, and violating international law principles.

He cited the Philippines’ enactment of the maritime zones act as an attempt to legitimize⁣ its claims over certain reefs in China’s Nansha Islands.

Looking ahead

The differing perspectives expressed ⁢at the Munich⁢ Security ​Conference highlight the complexities surrounding the⁢ South China‌ Sea dispute. Finding a⁢ peaceful and lasting resolution will⁤ require open⁤ dialogue, commitment to international law, and a willingness to find common ground.

The international community must⁣ continue to engage with all parties involved to encourage⁢ responsible behavior and promote stability in this crucial​ maritime region.

What steps is the Philippines taking to ensure peaceful and ⁣cooperative management‍ of the South China Sea, and how does the Philippines view the⁢ role⁢ of international law ⁤in this process?

South China Sea‍ Tensions: ‌Divergent Views⁢ at Munich Security Conference

An Interview with Enrique Manalo

The 61st Munich Security Conference provided ‍a platform for prominent figures to⁤ discuss escalating maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Archyde News Editor interviewed enrique Manalo, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs ⁢of the Republic of the Philippines, to gain insights into his country’s ⁢perspective⁣ on ​the ongoing South china Sea dispute.

Archyde: Secretary‌ manalo, thank‍ you ‌for joining us. ‍The issue of the South China Sea has dominated much of the​ conversation here at the Munich Security Conference. What⁤ do you see⁤ as the primary drivers of ​tension in this region?

Manalo:

The South‌ China Sea⁣ is a critical region ⁢for global trade and security, and unfortunately, it is plagued by a lack of compliance ​with ‌international law, ​specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of ⁢the Sea (UNCLOS). When powerful⁤ nations‌ disregard ⁢agreements like UNCLOS, ⁣it creates‌ an⁤ imbalance of power and breeds mistrust and ⁣tension, particularly for smaller nations who rely on the rule of ​law ⁣for their ‍security and prosperity.

Archyde: Your⁤ comments‍ seem to suggest that certain ⁢countries are using their economic and military might to assert dominance over weaker nations.Can you elaborate on‌ this?

Manalo:

There’s a tendency for more ⁣powerful ⁣nations to try and impose their will ⁣on those they perceive as weaker, often by reinterpreting international ​law to suit their purposes.⁢ ⁤This approach ⁢undermines ‌the vrey principles of a rules-based international‌ order and creates an environment ripe for⁢ conflict.⁢

Archyde: Several panelists, including ‌Wu Shicun ‍from the Huayang Research Center, pointed to ancient‍ treaties and arguments that challenge the Philippines’ position on maritime boundaries. How do you respond to these⁤ alternate narratives?

Manalo:

I respect Professor Wu’s perspective and certainly recognize the complexities of historical interpretations. Though, I believe the international community acknowledges the Philippines’ legitimate⁣ maritime‌ claims under UNCLOS. Our ⁣priority‍ is to ensure a peaceful and‍ cooperative approach ⁣to managing this vital waterway, and that means upholding international‍ law and respecting ⁤the rights of all nations.

Archyde: The⁤ Declaration on⁤ the‍ Conduct of Parties in‍ the South China Sea (DOC) and the ⁢proposed Code of Conduct (COC) are frequently enough cited as potential pathways to de-escalation. Where does the Philippines see these agreements⁤ fitting into the overall picture?

Manalo:

The DOC⁣ and‌ the COC are crucial steps ⁣towards building trust and promoting stability in the South China Sea.They provide a framework for managing⁢ disputes peacefully and upholding regional security. The‍ Philippines remains committed‍ to working with all parties ⁣involved to realize the full‌ potential of these agreements.

Archyde:‍ Looking ahead, ⁢what is ‌your message ⁢to the international‍ community regarding the South China Sea?

manalo:

The South ⁤China Sea is a shared ‌obligation. It’s essential that all ⁤nations work together⁣ to ensure its peaceful and lasting growth. ⁣We urge all parties⁢ to ⁣abide by international law, ⁣exercise restraint, ⁢and‍ engage in constructive dialog.⁤ Remember,⁣ stability in the⁢ South China Sea is ‌not just about one country;‌ it’s about⁤ the security and prosperity of the entire region.