Philippines Highlights 2016 Arbitral Award, Calls for Greater ASEAN-US Maritime Cooperation Amidst Concern Over Developments in South China Sea at 34th ASEAN-US Dialogue
Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and Philippine SOM Leader Elizabeth P. Buensuceso highlights ASEAN-US cooperation in addressing regional and security issues at the 34th ASEAN-US Dialogue. (DFA-OUBRAA photo)
PASAY CITY 07 May 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 highlighted the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as part of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the midst of regional uncertainty in the South China Sea in her lead intervention at the 34th ASEAN-United States (US) Dialogue, which was held via video conference on 06 May 2021.
Philippine SOM Leader Buensuceso spoke on the presence of foreign maritime militia vessels in Philippine maritime zones which not only infringes upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, but also threatens the security and stability in the region. She recalled that the Philippines also protested in the strongest terms the shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers, and radio challenges by the Chinese Coast Guard of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels during the latter’s maritime patrols and training exercises in Bajo de Masinloc in late April. In his response, Ambassador Atul Keshap, head of the United States delegation, agreed with the Philippine position and reiterated United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s commitment to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. that the United States will stand by the side of their ASEAN allies, especially the Philippines.
The Philippines led the discussion on maritime cooperation and welcomed United States’ support and commitment to helping ASEAN members enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities through programs such as the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative (SEAMLI) and the Maritime Security Initiative. The Philippines underscored the need for enhanced collaboration in areas such as conservation of marine resources, safety of navigation and communication at sea, and search and rescue operations, as outlined in the ASEAN-US Plan of Action 2021-2025.
“Maritime cooperation is a vital element, a solid foundation for the prosperity, peace, and continued work of ASEAN with our external partners like the United States...We stand to succeed by combining our diverse knowledge in this very important area of cooperation,” Acting Undersecretary Buensuceso affirmed.
The United States expressed concern over the worrisome activities which erode sovereignty, limit the rights of other states, and erode their ability to pursue the well-being of their people. The United States further stated that unlawful maritime claims pose a serious threat to the freedom of navigation and overflight, which in turn affect trade and commerce that are so important to ASEAN countries.
The United States conveyed its willingness for increased collaboration with ASEAN Member States (AMS) in assisting in the further development and integration of regional maritime data fusion and coordination centers in order to improve their law enforcement capabilities. It also expressed concern over Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and hoped to explore sustainable transboundary fisheries management as a priority area under ASEAN-US maritime cooperation.
The Meeting’s participants also reiterated calls for adherence to the rule of law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, exercise of self-restraint, resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and undertaking of cooperative activities to build trust and confidence.
Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and Philippine SOM Leader Elizabeth P. Buensuceso (leftmost, top row) joins fellow ASEAN SOM Leaders and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Political Security Community Robert Matheus Tene in a meeting with United States Ambassador Atul Keshap, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. (DFA photo)
During the dialogue, the United States also spoke on the rising incidents of violence committed against Asian-Americans and stated that racism has no place in the United States. He said the Biden-Harris administration will continue to stand up for the right of all people to be safe and to be treated with dignity in the United States and everywhere around the world.
The 34th ASEAN-US Dialogue highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation in several areas such as public health, particularly efforts to address COVID-19, addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as drug trafficking and wildlife trafficking, the digital economy, trade and investment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Smart Cities, energy and infrastructure, the environment and climate change, and education and youth exchanges.
Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) Deputy Foreign Minister Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations Bounleua Phandanouvong, and United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Atul Keshap, co-chaired the Meeting. END