09 August 2014 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario presented the Philippine proposal of a Triple Action Plan to the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member-states during the 47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) held on August 08 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
The Triple Action Plan (TAP) is aimed at reducing and managing tensions in the South China Sea until a settlement of disputes may be obtained.
"Tensions in the South China Sea have worsened in the past few months and continue to deteriorate. All of us are seeing an increased pattern of aggressive behavior and provocative actions in the South China Sea, seriously threatening the peace, security, prosperity and stability in the region," Secretary Del Rosario observed.
The TAP contains immediate, intermediate and final approaches to address the provocative and destabilizing activities in the region without prejudice to existing territorial claims.
"On an immediate basis, ASEAN, in demonstration of its leadership, must call for a cessation of activities that escalate tension, pursuant to Article 5 of the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)," Secretary del Rosario stated at the 47th AMM Plenary Session.
"On an intermediate basis, to manage further tension, ASEAN and China should continue urgently working for a full and effective implementation of the DOC and the expeditious conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC).
"Finally, through arbitration, which is consistent with the DOC, there will be a clarification of entitlements to bring the disputes to a final and enduring resolution in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," the Secretary further elaborated.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers likewise acknowledged the urgent need to address the tensions in the South China Sea in a manner that is peaceful and constructive, consistent with the DOC, and in accordance with international law. END