01 October 2014 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, speaking at the general debate of the 69th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on September 29, sought the support of UN Member States for the Philippines’ “Triple Action Plan” (TAP) to address escalating tensions and to peacefully resolve maritime disputes in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.
Secretary del Rosario said that the South China Sea is seeing a pattern of activities that raise tensions and threaten the peace, security and stability in the region.
TAP comprises three approaches that can be pursued simultaneously. The immediate approach calls for a cessation of specific activities that escalate tensions such as massive reclamation. The intermediate approach calls for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and the expeditious conclusion of the Code of Conduct. The final approach underscores the need for a settlement mechanism that would bring disputes to a final and enduring resolution anchored on international law. The Philippines is pursuing such a resolution through Arbitration.
The Philippines deplored actions that violate the exercise by the Philippines of its legitimate rights in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, such as the forced occupation of Scarborough Shoal, massive land reclamation in some reefs in the Spratlys and restrictions on fishing.
Secretary Del Rosario said that these activities are in contravention of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and are contrary to the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
He underscored that the core issue in the dispute is the so-called nine dash line position, an expansive claim of “indisputable sovereignty” over nearly the entire South China Sea.
The Secretary exhorted UN Member States to address the challenge of resolving the issue by resorting to the rule of law.
Secretary Del Rosario clarified that the TAP does not “prejudice territorial claims,” adding that, “the Arbitration award will clarify the maritime entitlements and will pave the way for the full resolution of the maritime disputes in the South China Sea.”
The UN Secretariat is expected to circulate the TAP to all Member States by next week under the agenda item on oceans and the law of the sea. END