PNoy: China’s actions in South China Sea should be considered a global problem

(Updated 7:58 p.m.) TARLAC CITY – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said China’s actions in the South China Sea should be considered a global problem, not just a regional issue.

 

In an interview with the media, Aquino stressed that Beijing’s activities in the disputed territory will affect the flow of goods among countries.

 

“Ngayon, we keep asserting na ‘yung problema sa South China Sea hindi regional problem. Problema ng buong mundo,” the President said.

 

He also welcomed that the statements of support being received by the Philippines from the international community, including the recent statement from G7 foreign ministers opposing China’s reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

 

“‘Yung pagsasalita ng mga ibang bansa, lalo na ‘yung hindi talaga nandito sa ating lugar, kumikilala doon sa bigat ng problema na problema ng lahat,” Aquino said.

 

The President added that he will once again push for the crafting of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia later this month.

Recent satellite images showed an airstrip suitable for military use being built by China on reclaimed parts of Kagitingan Reef in the disputed Spratly archipelago.

Beijing is also reportedly undertaking reclamation work on Subu Reef in the Spratlys, creating landmasses that, if joined together, could create space for another 3,000-meter (3,281-yard) airstrip.

Fishing ban

Aside from the reclamation activities, Aquino also said that the international community should also be concerned about a fishing ban that Beijing may enforce in disputed areas.

“Dati sinabihan tayo na mayroong silang mga patakaran, lalo na sa fishing na hindi lang nila ini-enforce. Kapag in-enforce nila, parang kailangang humingi na tayo ng permiso para mangisda sa ating exclusive economic zone,” Aquino said.

 

Earlier this week, Aquino said the whole world should fear China’s efforts to stake its claim in the South China Sea. 
 

China has overlapping claims over parts of the South China Sea. Other claimants include the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan.

 

The Philippines, which calls part of the disputed areas the “West Philippine Sea," has sought international arbitration before a Netherlands-based tribunal to nullify China’s massive claims over South China Sea.

 

China uses the so-called “nine-dash line” to claim ownership of almost the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines uses the UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as basis for its claim.

 

Beijing earlier rejected international arbitration proceedings to settle its territorial dispute with the Philippines, insisting instead on bilateral talks to settle the matter. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News