PHILIPPINE STATEMENT AT THE 6th EAST ASIA SUMMIT
FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING
16 July 2016, Vientiane, Laos PDR
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a strategic pillar in the evolving ASEAN-led regional security architecture. Strengthening the EAS, therefore is of paramount importance and the common responsibility of all.
During the 10th anniversary of EAS last year, we affirmed that the EAS, with its unique and inclusive composition as the region’s premier leaders-led dialogue for strategic and political issues, will continue to serve as a platform for Leaders to discuss strategic challenges and regional and global political and security issues that have profound impact to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region.
Progress of the Implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Phnom Penh Declaration on EAS Development Initiative (2015-2017)
The Philippines is pleased to note the progress of the implementation of the EAS Plan of Action on six priority areas which have contributed a lot in promoting the well-being of the peoples of EAS participating countries.
Expansion of EAS Priority Areas of Cooperation
At the same time, we believe that we can do more. The Philippines continues to support the elevation of maritime security and cooperation as a new priority area of EAS.
We should also consider adding transnational crimes, violent extremism and radicalism, which have the potential of undermining the peace and security of our region, without having to duplicate what are already being done in ASEAN and ARF.
EAS Membership of EU and Canada
Consistent with the principles of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 for a community that deepens cooperation with dialogue partners in the interest of developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations, the Philippines acknowledges the interest shown by the EU and Canada to become new members of the EAS. They are long-standing partners of ASEAN that can contribute in the priority areas of the EAS as well as in the sharing and shaping of norms, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting good governance, democracy and human rights.
Developments in the South China Sea
We share the concern expressed by many on the developments in the South China Sea. We wish to emphasize the importance of non-militarization in the conduct of activities in the area.
PH Arbitration Case
The Philippines welcomes the issuance on 12 July 2016 of the award by the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines with regard to the South China Sea.
In resorting to arbitration, the Philippines exercised its rights as a sovereign nation and a signatory to the UN Charter and UNCLOS, among others. It availed of the mechanisms under these, which are available to all states, as a matter of right, large or small. While it is true that this issue directly concerns two countries, the ruling, which is final and binding, in the end preserves the integrity of the legal framework provided under UNCLOS. More importantly, it clearly upholds and affirms the rules-based system that ensures the peaceful settlement of disputes, the benefits of which redound to everyone. In this regard, the Philippines thanks all those nations that acknowledged the importance of the ruling and the need to fully respect legal and diplomatic processes in their official statements made during this gathering and on past occasions, as we explore the way forward.
Developments in the Korean Peninsula
On the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines shares the serious concerns expressed by a number of Ministers today on the violation of UN Security Council Resolutions urging the DPRK not to conduct further nuclear tests. We join our international partners in urging the DPRK to desist from continuing these acts of provocation and abandon all nuclear weapons and programs in the interest of peace and stability in the region. We fully support all efforts to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in a peaceful manner and the early resumption of Six-party talks. END