DFA Issues Statement On Declaration By High Representative On Behalf Of EU On Recent Developments In The South China Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the Philippines welcomes the Declaration made by the European Union on recent developments in the South China Sea. The Declaration, issued by the Union’s High Representative on 11 March 2016, highlights the need to ensure peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the rule of law in the South China Sea.

In a statement, DFA said the Philippines has long advocated a peaceful, rules-based resolution to the disputes in the South China Sea. As such, it particularly welcomes the EU’s call for all claimants “to resolve disputes through peaceful means, to clarify the basis of their claims and to pursue them in accordance with international law including UNCLOS and its arbitration procedures”.

It is important for all concerned Parties to abide by the legally-binding ruling of the Tribunal and use the ruling as the basis for future discussions and cooperation, the DFA statement added.

The DFA said that the Philippines fully shares the European Union’s concerns about the deployment of missiles and other military assets in the South China Sea and supports the EU’s call for all claimants to refrain from militarization in the region and from the threat or use of force. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, as well as the urgent need for Parties to urgently conclude negotiations on the Code of Conduct.

The Philippines supports the EU’s continued engagement in the region through the ASEAN-led processes and welcomes its offer to share best practices on maritime security. (DFA)