MANILA, Philippines –
The Philippines has initiated a discussion with other members of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) especially with the other
claimants of the South China Sea as DFA said that the country is determined to get all concerned countries
in Southeast Asia to become in favor of a
moratorium on provocative and threatening actions by the China in the South
China Sea.
The DFA said the planned
moratorium should be chased while concerned countries work on the quick
conclusion of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed territorial
area.
In June, Foreign Affairs
Secretary Albert del Rosario said opening talk is a reasonable approach towards
the other ASEAN member. The discussion is for a moratorium in terms of
activities that escalate tension in the South China.
The moratorium could
also be fetched up in a special ASEAN governmental meeting, which was suggested
by Indonesia. The dialogues on the proposed moratorium could be happening
anytime this year.
Last May 22, the Philippines
and Indonesia signed an agreement concerning the definition of the Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) Boundary which shows to the goodwill, friendship, patience and
commitment of the governments of both countries to peacefully address maritime problems.
The signing of the
agreement is an important involvement to, and an example of, realistic efforts
to build a peaceful and well-established community seeing the interest of the
countries concerned and in peace with international law.
In its Pre-SONA (State of
the Nation Address) report, the DFA stated that for the remaining two years of
President Aquino’s term, the DFA will continue its obligation to increase our
national security, work towards comprehensive growth and development and protect
the welfare and interests of OFWs while maintaining the standards of good governance.
