Philippines Tackles Maritime Security, Code of Conduct Negotiations, 30 years of Dialogue Relations at 27th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation
Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, highlights the importance of the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea negotiations at the 27th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation on 18 May 2021. (DFA-ASEAN photo)
MANILA 20 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 stressed the importance of maintaining and promoting maritime security in the region, in a meeting with senior officials from ASEAN Member States and China during the 27th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation (ACSOC) held by video conference on 18 May 2021.
The Philippines, in its capacity as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations for 2018-2021, co-chaired the meeting with China represented by Assistant Minister Wu Jianghao.
During the Meeting, the Philippine SOM Leader emphasized the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with the collective aspiration for the South China Sea to be a sea of peace, stability, security and prosperity.
The Philippines called on ASEAN Member States and China to faithfully comply with their commitments under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to uphold the integrity of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The Acting Undersecretary asserted that “the diplomatic route is always the way to go.”
She recalled the maritime cooperation initiatives undertaken by ASEAN and China in the past year aimed at building mutual trust and understanding.
“We should create a level of trust and confidence; we should guarantee it and that all parties negotiate in good faith,” the senior diplomat underscored as she emphasized the urgency and importance of the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
The SOM Leader also expressed the Philippines’ determination to move the COC negotiations forward amid setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and called for the sincere support and cooperation of all parties to build consensus and accomplish this goal.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, the Meeting sought to prepare for the activities and projects to commemorate the event. The delegates also took note of the milestone achievements throughout the years, especially the close cooperation of the two sides in addressing COVID-19.
ASEAN Member States appreciated China’s support and assistance on its initiatives to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and in the provision of vaccines.
The Meeting also discussed cooperation on public health, socio-economic recovery, and pursuing growth and the expansion of engagements and mutual development in various priority areas. Special focus was also given on sustainable development as 2021 was designated as the ASEAN-China Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation. END
Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs and Philippine SOM Leader Elizabeth P. Buensuceso (third from the left, second row) joins fellow ASEAN SOM Leaders and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community Robert Matheus Michael Tene in a meeting with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao. (DFA-ASEAN photo)