Respect for the Rule of Law in South China Sea, Enhanced Cooperation in Maritime Security, at ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue
Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and Senior Official Elizabeth P. Buensuceso (bottom left) joins fellow ASEAN SOM Leaders and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Political Security Community Robert Matheus Tene in a meeting with New Zealand SOM Leader Ms. Allison Mann. (DFA-ASEAN photo)
PASAY CITY 25 March 2021 – The Philippines reiterated its objection over the continued provocative presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels within Philippine maritime zones (at the 28th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue held via video conference on 23 March 2021).
Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs and Philippine Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader Elizabeth P. Buensuceso stated that the presence of these vessels in Philippine maritime zones not only infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, but threatens security and stability in the region.
New Zealand echoed calls for adherence to the rule of law, including the 1982 United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the exercise of self-restraint, resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and undertaking cooperative activities to build trust and confidence. The Philippines also expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s support of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which is now an enduring part of international law.
Expressing concern over recent developments in Myanmar, Undersecretary Buensuceso emphasized the restoration of the previously existing state of affairs, the de-escalation of violence, restraint in using lethal force against unarmed civilians, and the immediate release of political detainees including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Dialogue reaffirmed ASEAN Centrality in shaping the political, socio-economic, and security agenda for the region in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with New Zealand reiterating its support for key ASEAN COVID-19 initiatives such as inoculation of registered ASEAN citizens within its territories and restoring unhampered international travel among ASEAN Member states and New Zealand after the vaccine rollout.END