PNoy: Turkey PM backs PHL's arbitration case vs. China

The Philippines on Monday found another ally in its territorial dispute with China: Turkey.

 

President Benigno Aquino III said in a joint press statement with Turkey Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu that the Turkish leader agreed with the Philippines' decision to seek international arbitration to settle its sea row with China.

 

"The prime minister agreed that the maritime dispute should be settled in a peaceful manner and in accordance with international law," Aquino said after a three-hour meeting with Davutoglu.

 

"The prime minister noted that the Philippines' decision to pursue arbitration is one that advances a durable and peaceful resolution to the issue," the Philippine president added.

 

Aquino further said that Davutoglu supported the Philippines' efforts to have a legally-binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. 

 

The Philippines has conflicting territorial claims with China over resource-rich parts of the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.

 

The Philippines claims that the West Philippine Sea is part of its exclusive economic zone under international law. China, meanwhile, is asserting its historical claim over the area through the so-called nine-dash line.

 

In March, the Philippines brought its territorial dispute with China before the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration. Beijing, however, has rejected the arbitration proceedings, repeatedly insisting on bilateral talks to settle to issue.

 

Turkey and the Philippines have had diplomatic ties since 1949. The two countries have entered into several agreements in the past, particularly concerning trade.

 

During the bilateral meeting between their respective leaders on Monday, the Turkish and the Philippine governments also agreed to sign a landmark air services agreement.

 

More than 5,000 Filipinos work in Turkey while some 200 Turkish nationals — primarily business executives — live in the Philippines at present. — JDS, GMA News