ViXuyen
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Viet Nam annexed the Mekong Delta from Cambodia without losing one single soldier; epic victory of total ownage.
South China Sea Forum
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Malaya
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UN tribunal gives PH, China until Aug. 5 to comment on draft rules to govern case - DFA
By: InterAksyon.com
July 16, 2013
MANILA - The Arbitral Tribunal that has been appointed to hear the case brought by the Philippines against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has given the two parties until August 5 to comment on the draft rules that would govern the hearing of the case.
This was contained in a joint statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Solicitor General released Tuesday announcing that the tribunal was formally constituted July 11 at The Hague.
The arbitral proceedings are now officially under way, said the joint announcement.
At its first meeting on July 11, the Arbitral Tribunal approved a draft set of Rules of Procedure to govern the proceedings. In its request for comments on the draft by August 5, the tribunal asked the two countries to propose a schedule for the submission of their written pleadings.
According to the DFA and the OSG, the Philippine government and its Counsel are now studying the draft rules of procedure, and will submit comments and a proposed schedule for the written pleadings as requested by the tribunal.
The Philippine government is pleased that the Arbitral Tribunal is now formally constituted, and that the arbitration process has begun. The department and the OSG have pledged their fullest cooperation with the tribunal, in order to assure a fair, impartial, and efficient process that produces a final and binding judgment in conformity with international law, the joint announcement said.
The department said it will issue statements from time to time to keep the public informed about the progress of the arbitration. Information will also be made available to the public on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, PCA-CPA.
The Hague is seat of arbitration
At their first meeting on July 11, the president and members of the tribunal also designated The Hague as the seat of the arbitration and the Permanent Court of Arbitration as the registry for the proceedings.
Both the Philippines and China had previously been requested to submit their views on these two matters, and the Philippines consented to both.
The Philippines is questioning Chinas nine-dash line as basis for its sweeping claims in the South China Sea under Annex VII of the UNCLOS.
The Philippines claims parts of the South China Sea and refers to them as the West Philippine Sea.
China, which insists on a bilateral solution to the conflict, rejected the arbitration in February, saying the Philippines case was legally infirm.
Along with 161 other countries, both the Philippines and China are signatories to the 1982 accord allowing them to seek legal remedy on territorial disputes.
Aside from the Philippines and China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims over the resource-rich waters.
UN tribunal gives PH, China until Aug. 5 to comment on draft rules to govern case - DFA - InterAksyon.com
By: InterAksyon.com
July 16, 2013
MANILA - The Arbitral Tribunal that has been appointed to hear the case brought by the Philippines against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has given the two parties until August 5 to comment on the draft rules that would govern the hearing of the case.
This was contained in a joint statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Solicitor General released Tuesday announcing that the tribunal was formally constituted July 11 at The Hague.
The arbitral proceedings are now officially under way, said the joint announcement.
At its first meeting on July 11, the Arbitral Tribunal approved a draft set of Rules of Procedure to govern the proceedings. In its request for comments on the draft by August 5, the tribunal asked the two countries to propose a schedule for the submission of their written pleadings.
According to the DFA and the OSG, the Philippine government and its Counsel are now studying the draft rules of procedure, and will submit comments and a proposed schedule for the written pleadings as requested by the tribunal.
The Philippine government is pleased that the Arbitral Tribunal is now formally constituted, and that the arbitration process has begun. The department and the OSG have pledged their fullest cooperation with the tribunal, in order to assure a fair, impartial, and efficient process that produces a final and binding judgment in conformity with international law, the joint announcement said.
The department said it will issue statements from time to time to keep the public informed about the progress of the arbitration. Information will also be made available to the public on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, PCA-CPA.
The Hague is seat of arbitration
At their first meeting on July 11, the president and members of the tribunal also designated The Hague as the seat of the arbitration and the Permanent Court of Arbitration as the registry for the proceedings.
Both the Philippines and China had previously been requested to submit their views on these two matters, and the Philippines consented to both.
The Philippines is questioning Chinas nine-dash line as basis for its sweeping claims in the South China Sea under Annex VII of the UNCLOS.
The Philippines claims parts of the South China Sea and refers to them as the West Philippine Sea.
China, which insists on a bilateral solution to the conflict, rejected the arbitration in February, saying the Philippines case was legally infirm.
Along with 161 other countries, both the Philippines and China are signatories to the 1982 accord allowing them to seek legal remedy on territorial disputes.
Aside from the Philippines and China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims over the resource-rich waters.
UN tribunal gives PH, China until Aug. 5 to comment on draft rules to govern case - DFA - InterAksyon.com
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Hearings on PH, China dispute begin
BY PATERNO ESMAQUEL II
POSTED ON 07/16/2013
MANILA, Philippines – Despite opposition from Beijing, the designated arbitral tribunal has begun to hear the Philippines’ unprecedented case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) jointly made this announcement Tuesday, July 16, days after another heated exchange between the Philippines and China.
The tribunal “was formally constituted and held its first meeting on July 11 at the Hague, the Netherlands,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a press briefing.
“The arbitral proceedings are now officially under way,” Hernandez added.
China, however, has repeatedly rejected the proceedings initiated by the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Hernandez said the process will continue despite this, as the tribunal consults both parties "in every step of the way."
Will the Philippines win the case by default, given that China snubs it? Hernandez replied that the case "will be heard on its merits," and added the Philippines has a "big advantage"
"We brought this case because we feel that we have a big advantage considering the provisions of international law, particularly UNCLOS, and it has always been our position that the 9-dash line claim of China has been expansive, excessive, and illegal as far as international law is concerned," Hernandez said.
The battleground
For the next few months, or even years, the battleground in this case is in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Hernandez said the president and members of the tribunal have chosen this "as the seat of the arbitration and the permanent court of arbitration as the registry for the proceedings."
He said the Philippines “consented to both.” He added that the tribunal asked both parties for comments by August 5, and requested them to propose a schedule for their written pleadings.
“The Philippine government is pleased that the arbitral tribunal is now formally constituted, and that the arbitration process has begun. The department and the OSG have pledged their fullest cooperation with the tribunal, in order to assure a fair, impartial, and efficient process that produces a final and binding judgment in conformity with international law,” the DFA said.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has named a topnotch maritime judge as president of the arbitral tribunal in the Philippines' case against China. Thomas Mensah, an 81-year-old judge from Ghana and the first ITLOS head, presides over the 5-member arbitral tribunal.
The West Philippine Sea dispute heated up again in the past few days, after the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Philippines lied in Belgium about their territorial row.
On Monday, July 15, Hernandez presented 8 facts to belie the statement made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying last Friday, July 12.
The Philppines, among other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has sought to peacefully resolve its territorial row with China. It is, for instance, part of upcoming meetings with China so “that we can have a discussion on a way forward,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.
Del Rosario has also invited Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit the Philippines despite reportedly “testy exchanges” between them at a recent ASEAN meeting.
Hearings on PH, China dispute begin
BY PATERNO ESMAQUEL II
POSTED ON 07/16/2013
MANILA, Philippines – Despite opposition from Beijing, the designated arbitral tribunal has begun to hear the Philippines’ unprecedented case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) jointly made this announcement Tuesday, July 16, days after another heated exchange between the Philippines and China.
The tribunal “was formally constituted and held its first meeting on July 11 at the Hague, the Netherlands,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a press briefing.
“The arbitral proceedings are now officially under way,” Hernandez added.
China, however, has repeatedly rejected the proceedings initiated by the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Hernandez said the process will continue despite this, as the tribunal consults both parties "in every step of the way."
Will the Philippines win the case by default, given that China snubs it? Hernandez replied that the case "will be heard on its merits," and added the Philippines has a "big advantage"
"We brought this case because we feel that we have a big advantage considering the provisions of international law, particularly UNCLOS, and it has always been our position that the 9-dash line claim of China has been expansive, excessive, and illegal as far as international law is concerned," Hernandez said.
The battleground
For the next few months, or even years, the battleground in this case is in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Hernandez said the president and members of the tribunal have chosen this "as the seat of the arbitration and the permanent court of arbitration as the registry for the proceedings."
He said the Philippines “consented to both.” He added that the tribunal asked both parties for comments by August 5, and requested them to propose a schedule for their written pleadings.
“The Philippine government is pleased that the arbitral tribunal is now formally constituted, and that the arbitration process has begun. The department and the OSG have pledged their fullest cooperation with the tribunal, in order to assure a fair, impartial, and efficient process that produces a final and binding judgment in conformity with international law,” the DFA said.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has named a topnotch maritime judge as president of the arbitral tribunal in the Philippines' case against China. Thomas Mensah, an 81-year-old judge from Ghana and the first ITLOS head, presides over the 5-member arbitral tribunal.
The West Philippine Sea dispute heated up again in the past few days, after the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Philippines lied in Belgium about their territorial row.
On Monday, July 15, Hernandez presented 8 facts to belie the statement made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying last Friday, July 12.
The Philppines, among other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has sought to peacefully resolve its territorial row with China. It is, for instance, part of upcoming meetings with China so “that we can have a discussion on a way forward,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.
Del Rosario has also invited Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit the Philippines despite reportedly “testy exchanges” between them at a recent ASEAN meeting.
Hearings on PH, China dispute begin
Malaya
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China hits Manila as UN arbitration proceedings on Spratlys dispute start
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Wednesday, July 17th, 2013
MANILA, Philippines – With the Philippines’ arbitration bid progressing before the United Nations, Beijing has blasted Manila for its legal recourse to settle maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), and accused the Philippines of deviating from the agreed upon guidelines of discipline, as well as provoking tensions in the disputed waters.
In strongly worded remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying scored the Philippines for its “indifference” to China’s position and charged Manila with discrediting Beijing before the international community.
“We are firmly opposed to the Philippines’ indifference to China’s lawful rights and interests and legitimate concerns as well as its willful act of pushing for international arbitration,” said Hua in a statement posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website on Tuesday.
“It is difficult for China to understand how the Philippines could continue to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China,” she added.
Hua issued the comments as a rebuff to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson’s eight-point statement on Monday, where the official defended the Philippines’ move to seek UN arbitration to halt Chinese incursions into its maritime zones in the disputed waters and invalidate China’s nine-dash line claim.
The five-member arbitral tribunal has just initiated proceedings on the Philippines’ case at The Hague, continuing despite China’s refusal to take part in the process.
Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said Monday that “it has become impossible to continue bilateral discussions” with China given its “rigid” and “hard line position of indisputable sovereignty” over the West Philippine Sea following more than 17 years of failed negotiations and consultations.
He maintained that the Philippines has always been committed to peacefully resolving the discord and to work towards a binding Code of Conduct to institutionalize the bounds of discipline among claimant states, upgrading the current Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
Hua’s retort on Tuesday continues a string of fiery exchanges between Manila and Beijing of late, including verbal swaps between Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi behind closed doors in June’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) ministerial meetings in Brunei.
As he appealed for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, Del Rosario also recently scored China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea before members of the European Parliament, Belgian officials and maritime experts in Brussels, saying Beijing’s military buildup presents a challenge to freedom of navigation in critical international sea lanes in the disputed waters.
China maintains vessels at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal off Palawan and the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales, the site of a tense standoff between the two countries last year, despite repeated appeals from the Philippines for Beijing to respect the country’s exclusive economic zone.
But Beijing saw the Philippines’ moves as an act meant to taint China.
“It is difficult for China to understand how could the Philippines continue to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China,” said Hua.
“It is regrettable that over recent years, the Philippines has changed its attitude and approach in handling the issue, gone back on its consensus with China, broken its commitment in the DOC, cast aside the framework of dialogue upheld by a majority of countries, refused to cooperate, aggravated the situation and set off the incident of the Huangyan Island (Panatag Shoal) by harassing Chinese civilians with warships, casting a shadow over China-Philippine relations and peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Hua said.
Hua further blamed the Philippines for provoking tensions in the waters, scoring the country’s presence in parts of the Spratly Islands (Nansha to the Chinese).
“The Philippines’ illegal occupation of some of the islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Islands is the direct cause to the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines. China sticks to the longstanding position of safeguarding national territorial sovereignty, which is totally legitimate,” said Hua.
She asserted Beijing’s commitment to regional peace and stability and its long-standing position of seeking bilateral negotiations to settle the international maritime dispute, which also involves claimants Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.
On the contrary, the Philippines has long been seeking a multi-lateral approach, engaging venues like the Asean to take a unified approach in settling the dispute with China.
Since last year, the Philippines has filed a flurry of diplomatic protests to Chinese actions concerning the West Philippine Sea, including the establishment of a new city to administer almost all of the disputed territories, the stamping of maps bearing the questioned nine-dash line on new Chinese passports and the conduct of military drills and patrols in contested waters.
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Wednesday, July 17th, 2013
MANILA, Philippines – With the Philippines’ arbitration bid progressing before the United Nations, Beijing has blasted Manila for its legal recourse to settle maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), and accused the Philippines of deviating from the agreed upon guidelines of discipline, as well as provoking tensions in the disputed waters.
In strongly worded remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying scored the Philippines for its “indifference” to China’s position and charged Manila with discrediting Beijing before the international community.
“We are firmly opposed to the Philippines’ indifference to China’s lawful rights and interests and legitimate concerns as well as its willful act of pushing for international arbitration,” said Hua in a statement posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website on Tuesday.
“It is difficult for China to understand how the Philippines could continue to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China,” she added.
Hua issued the comments as a rebuff to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson’s eight-point statement on Monday, where the official defended the Philippines’ move to seek UN arbitration to halt Chinese incursions into its maritime zones in the disputed waters and invalidate China’s nine-dash line claim.
The five-member arbitral tribunal has just initiated proceedings on the Philippines’ case at The Hague, continuing despite China’s refusal to take part in the process.
Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said Monday that “it has become impossible to continue bilateral discussions” with China given its “rigid” and “hard line position of indisputable sovereignty” over the West Philippine Sea following more than 17 years of failed negotiations and consultations.
He maintained that the Philippines has always been committed to peacefully resolving the discord and to work towards a binding Code of Conduct to institutionalize the bounds of discipline among claimant states, upgrading the current Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
Hua’s retort on Tuesday continues a string of fiery exchanges between Manila and Beijing of late, including verbal swaps between Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi behind closed doors in June’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) ministerial meetings in Brunei.
As he appealed for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, Del Rosario also recently scored China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea before members of the European Parliament, Belgian officials and maritime experts in Brussels, saying Beijing’s military buildup presents a challenge to freedom of navigation in critical international sea lanes in the disputed waters.
China maintains vessels at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal off Palawan and the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales, the site of a tense standoff between the two countries last year, despite repeated appeals from the Philippines for Beijing to respect the country’s exclusive economic zone.
But Beijing saw the Philippines’ moves as an act meant to taint China.
“It is difficult for China to understand how could the Philippines continue to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China,” said Hua.
“It is regrettable that over recent years, the Philippines has changed its attitude and approach in handling the issue, gone back on its consensus with China, broken its commitment in the DOC, cast aside the framework of dialogue upheld by a majority of countries, refused to cooperate, aggravated the situation and set off the incident of the Huangyan Island (Panatag Shoal) by harassing Chinese civilians with warships, casting a shadow over China-Philippine relations and peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Hua said.
Hua further blamed the Philippines for provoking tensions in the waters, scoring the country’s presence in parts of the Spratly Islands (Nansha to the Chinese).
“The Philippines’ illegal occupation of some of the islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Islands is the direct cause to the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines. China sticks to the longstanding position of safeguarding national territorial sovereignty, which is totally legitimate,” said Hua.
She asserted Beijing’s commitment to regional peace and stability and its long-standing position of seeking bilateral negotiations to settle the international maritime dispute, which also involves claimants Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.
On the contrary, the Philippines has long been seeking a multi-lateral approach, engaging venues like the Asean to take a unified approach in settling the dispute with China.
Since last year, the Philippines has filed a flurry of diplomatic protests to Chinese actions concerning the West Philippine Sea, including the establishment of a new city to administer almost all of the disputed territories, the stamping of maps bearing the questioned nine-dash line on new Chinese passports and the conduct of military drills and patrols in contested waters.
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China hits PH 'smear job' during ASEAN meet
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 07/17/2013
MANILA - A Chinese official on Tuesday scored the Philippines for refusing to resolve a territorial dispute through bilateral means and for seeking international arbitration to resolve the conflict.
In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said Beijing stays committed to solving the territorial dispute through bilateral negotiations "in accordance with relevant regulations of international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea."
"We regret that the Philippines stated that it has become impossible to continue bilateral discussions with China, and are dissatisfied with its refusal to diplomatic negotiation and closure of the door to dialogue. We are firmly opposed to the Philippines' indifference to China's lawful rights and interests and legitimate concerns as well as its willful act of pushing for international arbitration," Hua said.
Hua said China and the Philippines earlier reached a consensus to resolve bilateral disputes through negotiation. The official noted that the China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Philippine National Oil Company signed an agreement for joint marine seismic undertaking on certain areas of the South China Sea, which later included Vietnam.
"However, it is regrettable that over recent years, the Philippines has changed its attitude and approach in handling the issue, gone back on its consensus with China, broken its commitment in the DOC, cast aside the framework of dialogue upheld by a majority of countries, refused to cooperate, aggravated the situation and set off the incident of the Huangyan Island by harassing Chinese civilians with warships, casting a shadow over China-Philippine relations and peace and stability of the South China Sea," Hua said.
The official noted that the Philippines "publicly criticized China during the recently held ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings, regardless of the consensus among ASEAN countries, and thus was reasonably refuted by China."
"It is difficult for China to understand how could the Philippines continue to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China."
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier accused China of increased militarization in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), saying Beijing’s tactics were a threat to peace in the region.
Del Rosario issued a statement after a People’s Daily report warned of a “counterstrike” if the Philippines continued to provoke China in the West Philippine Sea.
Del Rosario has said China’s position to settle the dispute on a bilateral basis is not correct because there are at least four other ASEAN claimants to the various areas of the South China Sea, “and so we believe that a multilateral approach is the way to do this.”
China lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea and the islands that are also being claimed by Japan in the East China Sea.
The area, delineated by the so-called nine-dash line of China, covers over 100 islets, atolls and reefs.
The Philippine claim in the Spratly Islands covers eight islands and reefs.
Aside from the Philippines and China, the Spratlys is also being claimed in whole or in part by Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. With a report from Agence France-Presse
China hits PH 'smear job' during ASEAN meet | ABS-CBN News
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 07/17/2013
MANILA - A Chinese official on Tuesday scored the Philippines for refusing to resolve a territorial dispute through bilateral means and for seeking international arbitration to resolve the conflict.
In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said Beijing stays committed to solving the territorial dispute through bilateral negotiations "in accordance with relevant regulations of international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea."
"We regret that the Philippines stated that it has become impossible to continue bilateral discussions with China, and are dissatisfied with its refusal to diplomatic negotiation and closure of the door to dialogue. We are firmly opposed to the Philippines' indifference to China's lawful rights and interests and legitimate concerns as well as its willful act of pushing for international arbitration," Hua said.
Hua said China and the Philippines earlier reached a consensus to resolve bilateral disputes through negotiation. The official noted that the China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Philippine National Oil Company signed an agreement for joint marine seismic undertaking on certain areas of the South China Sea, which later included Vietnam.
"However, it is regrettable that over recent years, the Philippines has changed its attitude and approach in handling the issue, gone back on its consensus with China, broken its commitment in the DOC, cast aside the framework of dialogue upheld by a majority of countries, refused to cooperate, aggravated the situation and set off the incident of the Huangyan Island by harassing Chinese civilians with warships, casting a shadow over China-Philippine relations and peace and stability of the South China Sea," Hua said.
The official noted that the Philippines "publicly criticized China during the recently held ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings, regardless of the consensus among ASEAN countries, and thus was reasonably refuted by China."
"It is difficult for China to understand how could the Philippines continue to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China."
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier accused China of increased militarization in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), saying Beijing’s tactics were a threat to peace in the region.
Del Rosario issued a statement after a People’s Daily report warned of a “counterstrike” if the Philippines continued to provoke China in the West Philippine Sea.
Del Rosario has said China’s position to settle the dispute on a bilateral basis is not correct because there are at least four other ASEAN claimants to the various areas of the South China Sea, “and so we believe that a multilateral approach is the way to do this.”
China lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea and the islands that are also being claimed by Japan in the East China Sea.
The area, delineated by the so-called nine-dash line of China, covers over 100 islets, atolls and reefs.
The Philippine claim in the Spratly Islands covers eight islands and reefs.
Aside from the Philippines and China, the Spratlys is also being claimed in whole or in part by Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. With a report from Agence France-Presse
China hits PH 'smear job' during ASEAN meet | ABS-CBN News
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US to get wider access to South China Sea for military warships and aircraft
Published July 16, 2013
The US has expanded negotiations with Manila and is seeking to build facilities and storage sites in the Philippines, as well as gain greater access to bases for its aircraft and warships. Bases the US is considering are all facing the South China Sea.
Talks for greater US military presence in the South China Sea comes as the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines is heating up. Since February, the Philippine military has complained that Chinese navy and government vessels have increased their presence in the disputed area.
Ambassador Jose Cuisia this week told reporters that the Philippines plans to provide the US with greater access to its bases on a temporary and rotational basis, which would bolster its defense. Although Manila will not provide permanent basing rights to the US, it would allow the US to have a wider presence in the South China Sea.
The 1998 Visiting Forces agreement allows US forces to maintain a rotational presence in the Philippines, but Washington is now looking to expand upon that and fund its own facilities.
“We need to expand (the 1998 pact) further because we may have to build some additional facilities,” Cuisia said during a press conference in Manila. Such facilities would be funded for “joint use” and would allow the US to store its military equipment and supplies in the Philippines. Cuisia claims that such facilities would allow the country to be prepared for potential humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
“Then whenever it’s needed it’s so much easier to use that equipment because it’s already there,” Cuisia said.
Facilities and military bases that the US wants to use for its aircraft and warships are facing the South China Sea, which would allow Washington to operate its warships and aircraft near the disputed territory.
(L-R) Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, US Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Lippert and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell (AFP Photo / Jay Directo)
The Philippine military last month told Reuters that it plans to restore air and naval bases at Subic Bay, which is a former US Navy facility that would provide the US with a strategic location in the region. Military and diplomatic sources this month told Reuters that all of the military facilities that the US is requesting greater access to are facing China.
The US has already used Subic Bay for ship visits, and US defense contractor Huntington Ingalls Industries last year set up an operation to service US Navy ships. James Hardly, Asia-Pacific editor for HIS Jane’s Defense Weekly, told the New York Times that this might be an indication that the US will keep its warships and aircraft in the Philippines in the long run.
“Certainly the buildup in Subic by companies that expect to support the US military suggests and expectation that this is going to be a semi permanent presence,” he said.
Carl Baker, program director of the Pacific Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Voice of America that talks of a base-sharing plan is another indicator that the US may be creating a permanent presence in the Philippines.
“I think that’s sort of the model that they’re following,” he said. “So they can put people on these bases on a more permanent basis without calling it ‘permanent basing.’”
News of the expanded US presence in the Philippines may ignite further anger in Chinese officials as tensions between the two Asian nations remain high. In late 2012, the US announced that it would increase its number of troops, aircraft and ships that rotate through the Philippines – a statement that angered Chinese officials and prompted Chinese media to describe the Philippines as troublemakers seeking conflict. At the time, Chinese Communist Party Chief Xi Jinping urged his military to prepare for a struggle.
The Philippines is currently locked in a dispute with China over claims in the South China Sea, in particular the resource-rich Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. Cuisia told reporters that informal talks between Manila and Washington have reached the ministerial level, and that both sides are hoping to strike a deal before President Benigno Aquino steps down in 2016.
Published July 16, 2013
The US has expanded negotiations with Manila and is seeking to build facilities and storage sites in the Philippines, as well as gain greater access to bases for its aircraft and warships. Bases the US is considering are all facing the South China Sea.
Talks for greater US military presence in the South China Sea comes as the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines is heating up. Since February, the Philippine military has complained that Chinese navy and government vessels have increased their presence in the disputed area.
Ambassador Jose Cuisia this week told reporters that the Philippines plans to provide the US with greater access to its bases on a temporary and rotational basis, which would bolster its defense. Although Manila will not provide permanent basing rights to the US, it would allow the US to have a wider presence in the South China Sea.
The 1998 Visiting Forces agreement allows US forces to maintain a rotational presence in the Philippines, but Washington is now looking to expand upon that and fund its own facilities.
“We need to expand (the 1998 pact) further because we may have to build some additional facilities,” Cuisia said during a press conference in Manila. Such facilities would be funded for “joint use” and would allow the US to store its military equipment and supplies in the Philippines. Cuisia claims that such facilities would allow the country to be prepared for potential humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
“Then whenever it’s needed it’s so much easier to use that equipment because it’s already there,” Cuisia said.
Facilities and military bases that the US wants to use for its aircraft and warships are facing the South China Sea, which would allow Washington to operate its warships and aircraft near the disputed territory.
(L-R) Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, US Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Lippert and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell (AFP Photo / Jay Directo)
The Philippine military last month told Reuters that it plans to restore air and naval bases at Subic Bay, which is a former US Navy facility that would provide the US with a strategic location in the region. Military and diplomatic sources this month told Reuters that all of the military facilities that the US is requesting greater access to are facing China.
The US has already used Subic Bay for ship visits, and US defense contractor Huntington Ingalls Industries last year set up an operation to service US Navy ships. James Hardly, Asia-Pacific editor for HIS Jane’s Defense Weekly, told the New York Times that this might be an indication that the US will keep its warships and aircraft in the Philippines in the long run.
“Certainly the buildup in Subic by companies that expect to support the US military suggests and expectation that this is going to be a semi permanent presence,” he said.
Carl Baker, program director of the Pacific Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Voice of America that talks of a base-sharing plan is another indicator that the US may be creating a permanent presence in the Philippines.
“I think that’s sort of the model that they’re following,” he said. “So they can put people on these bases on a more permanent basis without calling it ‘permanent basing.’”
News of the expanded US presence in the Philippines may ignite further anger in Chinese officials as tensions between the two Asian nations remain high. In late 2012, the US announced that it would increase its number of troops, aircraft and ships that rotate through the Philippines – a statement that angered Chinese officials and prompted Chinese media to describe the Philippines as troublemakers seeking conflict. At the time, Chinese Communist Party Chief Xi Jinping urged his military to prepare for a struggle.
The Philippines is currently locked in a dispute with China over claims in the South China Sea, in particular the resource-rich Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. Cuisia told reporters that informal talks between Manila and Washington have reached the ministerial level, and that both sides are hoping to strike a deal before President Benigno Aquino steps down in 2016.
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Philippine Group Plans Global Anti-China Protests
By Zachary Keck
July 18, 2013
On Wednesday a new coalition of Philippine groups announced their intention to hold anti-China protests across the world on July 24.
The West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) coalition said that it will convene protests over the South China Sea dispute on July 24 in various cities around the world, including Manila, various cities in the U.S., London, Rome, Sydney, Copenhagen, and Israel, among others, local media outlets reported, citing a press conference the coalition held on Wednesday. The protests will be held outside Chinese embassies and consulate buildings, the group said.
The West Philippine Sea coalition is comprised of numerous former Philippine officials, led by former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan III and including former National Security Adviser Rolio Golez. Local media described the coalition as consisting of “former government officials, youth leaders, netizens and even Filipino-Americans,” while others noted that musicians and artists would also be participating in the rallies.
Golez told reporters on Wednesday that, “This protest rally is only going to be the start of something that we intend to become bigger, not only in the Philippines but worldwide, in order to tell the world what is happening in our backyard – the bullying that's being done by our big neighbor.”
Meanwhile, Alunan said that July 24 was a “global day of protests.” He added: “We protest the belligerent and blatant disregard of international laws in the West Philippine Sea. We ask China to respect the rule of law and be a good neighbor.”
Vonz Santos, head of the NGO U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance, said his group was leading the effort in North America, where it is planning protests in Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Denver, and Atlanta.
The U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance has previously organized protests in U.S. cities over the South China Sea issue, which have been attended by hundreds of people.
The main site of the protests in the Philippines will be outside the Chinese Consulate in Makati City in metro Manila. Local newspapers said crowds of up to 5,000 people were expected to attend.
A similar protest outside the Chinese Consulate in May 2012 only drew about 200 protestors, way below the expected number of attendees.
Protests over sovereignty issues are common in much of the region, including Vietnam, which like the Philippines is often at odds with China over overlapping claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea.
China itself has witnessed numerous anti-Japan protests, most recently last year after Japan moved to nationalize the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
China and the Philippines have been at odds over overlapping claims in the South China Sea for years, which has led to prolonged standoffs on a number of occasions. Last year a standoff over the Scarborough Shoal saw China effectively seize control of the area through conducting frequent patrols.
The Philippines have sought to counter this move by bolstering its own defenses while strengthening ties to key allies like the United States and Japan.
Last month the Philippines announced it was considering giving Washington and Tokyo increased access to a naval base in Subic Bay to both Washington and Tokyo. Reuters reported on Tuesday the agreement currently being negotiated between the U.S. and the Philippines is far more expansive than public announcements let on.
The Philippines has also appealed to international tribunals to help mediate its dispute with China. Just this week the Philippines announced that a five-member tribunal under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea had convened to hear Filipino complaints against China. The Philippines had asked China to join it in seeking international adjudication for their dispute, but Beijing demurred.
Philippine Group Plans Global Anti-China Protests | ASEAN Beat | The Diplomat
By Zachary Keck
July 18, 2013
On Wednesday a new coalition of Philippine groups announced their intention to hold anti-China protests across the world on July 24.
The West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) coalition said that it will convene protests over the South China Sea dispute on July 24 in various cities around the world, including Manila, various cities in the U.S., London, Rome, Sydney, Copenhagen, and Israel, among others, local media outlets reported, citing a press conference the coalition held on Wednesday. The protests will be held outside Chinese embassies and consulate buildings, the group said.
The West Philippine Sea coalition is comprised of numerous former Philippine officials, led by former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan III and including former National Security Adviser Rolio Golez. Local media described the coalition as consisting of “former government officials, youth leaders, netizens and even Filipino-Americans,” while others noted that musicians and artists would also be participating in the rallies.
Golez told reporters on Wednesday that, “This protest rally is only going to be the start of something that we intend to become bigger, not only in the Philippines but worldwide, in order to tell the world what is happening in our backyard – the bullying that's being done by our big neighbor.”
Meanwhile, Alunan said that July 24 was a “global day of protests.” He added: “We protest the belligerent and blatant disregard of international laws in the West Philippine Sea. We ask China to respect the rule of law and be a good neighbor.”
Vonz Santos, head of the NGO U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance, said his group was leading the effort in North America, where it is planning protests in Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Denver, and Atlanta.
The U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance has previously organized protests in U.S. cities over the South China Sea issue, which have been attended by hundreds of people.
The main site of the protests in the Philippines will be outside the Chinese Consulate in Makati City in metro Manila. Local newspapers said crowds of up to 5,000 people were expected to attend.
A similar protest outside the Chinese Consulate in May 2012 only drew about 200 protestors, way below the expected number of attendees.
Protests over sovereignty issues are common in much of the region, including Vietnam, which like the Philippines is often at odds with China over overlapping claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea.
China itself has witnessed numerous anti-Japan protests, most recently last year after Japan moved to nationalize the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
China and the Philippines have been at odds over overlapping claims in the South China Sea for years, which has led to prolonged standoffs on a number of occasions. Last year a standoff over the Scarborough Shoal saw China effectively seize control of the area through conducting frequent patrols.
The Philippines have sought to counter this move by bolstering its own defenses while strengthening ties to key allies like the United States and Japan.
Last month the Philippines announced it was considering giving Washington and Tokyo increased access to a naval base in Subic Bay to both Washington and Tokyo. Reuters reported on Tuesday the agreement currently being negotiated between the U.S. and the Philippines is far more expansive than public announcements let on.
The Philippines has also appealed to international tribunals to help mediate its dispute with China. Just this week the Philippines announced that a five-member tribunal under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea had convened to hear Filipino complaints against China. The Philippines had asked China to join it in seeking international adjudication for their dispute, but Beijing demurred.
Philippine Group Plans Global Anti-China Protests | ASEAN Beat | The Diplomat
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Pinoys urged to join anti-China rally July 24
Thursday, 18 July 2013
THE newly formed West Philippine Sea Coalition (WPSC) yesterday urged Filipinos worldwide to join on July 24 the simultaneous global protest rallies against China’s “shoal-grabbing” in the West Philippine Sea.
Former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez, one of the convenors of the WPSC, said the rally in the Philippines will be staged in front of the Chinese consulate in Makati City from noon to 2 p.m. on July 24.
Golez said at least 5,000 are expected to attend including the Filipino artists from the F.U. Movement or Filipinos Unite Movement, which includes popular figures such as Noel Cabangon, Charice Pempengco, Billy Joe Crawford, and Anne Curtis.
Singer Leah Navarro will lead the Philippine national anthem during the rally.
Coalition spokesman TJ Besa said the rally will be conducted in a peaceful manner.
Vonz Santos of the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) said his group will hold demonstrations at the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. and at Chinese consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Saipan.
Santos said protests are also planned in front of Chinese government offices in Denver and Atlanta. A press statement said similar demonstrations will be staged in Rome, London, Sydney, Copenhagen and Phnom Penh.
The coalition said similar activities will be held in Chinese facilities in Singapore.
“This protest rally is about telling the world about what’s happening in our backyard… The bullying being done by our big neighbor China,” Golez said.
“We call on Filipinos everywhere to rise and stand as one united nation in dignified defiance in the face of China’s threats of war every time we object to its unwarranted violations within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” he added.
The WPSC is composed of various groups such as Di Pasisiil Movement which Golez heads, Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO), Akbayan, Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa, US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG), and several religious groups, among others.
Former interior secretary Rafael Alunan, co-convenor of the WPS Coalition, said the group is not against the Chinese people “but against your government’s policy of intimidation and intrusion into our exclusive economic zone.”
Alunan also said the WPSC is asking China “to take the peaceful path toward dispute resolution to prove its claims before ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea).” – With Victor Reyes
Malaya Business News Online - Philippine Business News | Online News Philippines - Pinoys urged to join anti-China rally July 24
Thursday, 18 July 2013
THE newly formed West Philippine Sea Coalition (WPSC) yesterday urged Filipinos worldwide to join on July 24 the simultaneous global protest rallies against China’s “shoal-grabbing” in the West Philippine Sea.
Former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez, one of the convenors of the WPSC, said the rally in the Philippines will be staged in front of the Chinese consulate in Makati City from noon to 2 p.m. on July 24.
Golez said at least 5,000 are expected to attend including the Filipino artists from the F.U. Movement or Filipinos Unite Movement, which includes popular figures such as Noel Cabangon, Charice Pempengco, Billy Joe Crawford, and Anne Curtis.
Singer Leah Navarro will lead the Philippine national anthem during the rally.
Coalition spokesman TJ Besa said the rally will be conducted in a peaceful manner.
Vonz Santos of the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) said his group will hold demonstrations at the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. and at Chinese consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Saipan.
Santos said protests are also planned in front of Chinese government offices in Denver and Atlanta. A press statement said similar demonstrations will be staged in Rome, London, Sydney, Copenhagen and Phnom Penh.
The coalition said similar activities will be held in Chinese facilities in Singapore.
“This protest rally is about telling the world about what’s happening in our backyard… The bullying being done by our big neighbor China,” Golez said.
“We call on Filipinos everywhere to rise and stand as one united nation in dignified defiance in the face of China’s threats of war every time we object to its unwarranted violations within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” he added.
The WPSC is composed of various groups such as Di Pasisiil Movement which Golez heads, Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO), Akbayan, Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa, US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG), and several religious groups, among others.
Former interior secretary Rafael Alunan, co-convenor of the WPS Coalition, said the group is not against the Chinese people “but against your government’s policy of intimidation and intrusion into our exclusive economic zone.”
Alunan also said the WPSC is asking China “to take the peaceful path toward dispute resolution to prove its claims before ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea).” – With Victor Reyes
Malaya Business News Online - Philippine Business News | Online News Philippines - Pinoys urged to join anti-China rally July 24
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Army to shift to territorial defense
Nolcom chief Catapang says troops ready to defend PH vs China aggression
By Tonette Orejas
Inquirer Central Luzon
Wednesday, July 17th, 2013
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is shifting its operations from internal security to territorial defense in 2014, focusing on the Luzon coastlines amid disputes over marine boundaries in Southeast Asia, the new Nolcom chief said on Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. revealed the new thrust two weeks after he assumed leadership of the AFP command, which operates in the Ilocos, Cagayan, Cordillera and Central Luzon regions.
Nolcom has jurisdiction over the Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal in Zambales, which is being claimed by China. President Aquino has publicly stated that his administration would give the United States and Japan wider access to Philippine bases to protect the country’s territory.
Gas rich
Also in Nolcom’s area of concern is the gas and mineral-rich Benham Rise off northeastern Luzon.
Nolcom oversees the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army, 1st Air Division of the Philippine Air Force and the Naval Forces Northern Luzon of the Philippine Navy.
Replying to questions the Inquirer sent to him by e-mail, Catapang said he would begin to “integrate the capability of major services operationally controlled by Nolcom in conducting joint operations so that we can transition from internal security operations to territorial defense.”
He said the responsiveness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is adjusting to a “very globalized world [where] the threats to our national security will likewise be global.”
“Of course, we have to protect our 7,100 plus islands against global threats such as terrorism, climate change, international crimes and maritime security, plus protect our interest in exclusive economic zones,” he said.
2013 target
By the end of 2013, Nolcom should have declared the four regions “peaceful and ready for further development,” he said.
As of June, Nolcom had assessed the insurgency in the four regions as having been “reduced to a very minimal level,” which would allow it to shift priorities next year, Catapang said.
He said remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) that killed nine policemen in two recent ambushes in Luzon are being hunted down.
He described as “desperate moves” the rebel attacks on policemen on May 27 in Cagayan where eight policemen were killed, and on July 28 in Tadian, Mt. Province, where a policeman was killed among more than 90 officers who were jogging in the mountains.
Core competency
“In the absence of a clear headway toward a negotiated peace settlement between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA remnants will [fight] to survive,” Catapang said.
He said the attacks were meant “to highlight that there are still NPA remnants and spoilers that can sow fear in the area.”
The police would take the lead role in internal security operations, with the AFP providing support role, he said.
“We will not give up our core competency in fighting the remnants of the NPA to maintain our skills for guerrilla warfare,” he said, clarifying that the Scout Rangers and Special Forces would focus on military operations. “This will free our infantry battalions to train for territorial defense,” he said.
Nolcom chief Catapang says troops ready to defend PH vs China aggression
By Tonette Orejas
Inquirer Central Luzon
Wednesday, July 17th, 2013
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is shifting its operations from internal security to territorial defense in 2014, focusing on the Luzon coastlines amid disputes over marine boundaries in Southeast Asia, the new Nolcom chief said on Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. revealed the new thrust two weeks after he assumed leadership of the AFP command, which operates in the Ilocos, Cagayan, Cordillera and Central Luzon regions.
Nolcom has jurisdiction over the Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal in Zambales, which is being claimed by China. President Aquino has publicly stated that his administration would give the United States and Japan wider access to Philippine bases to protect the country’s territory.
Gas rich
Also in Nolcom’s area of concern is the gas and mineral-rich Benham Rise off northeastern Luzon.
Nolcom oversees the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army, 1st Air Division of the Philippine Air Force and the Naval Forces Northern Luzon of the Philippine Navy.
Replying to questions the Inquirer sent to him by e-mail, Catapang said he would begin to “integrate the capability of major services operationally controlled by Nolcom in conducting joint operations so that we can transition from internal security operations to territorial defense.”
He said the responsiveness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is adjusting to a “very globalized world [where] the threats to our national security will likewise be global.”
“Of course, we have to protect our 7,100 plus islands against global threats such as terrorism, climate change, international crimes and maritime security, plus protect our interest in exclusive economic zones,” he said.
2013 target
By the end of 2013, Nolcom should have declared the four regions “peaceful and ready for further development,” he said.
As of June, Nolcom had assessed the insurgency in the four regions as having been “reduced to a very minimal level,” which would allow it to shift priorities next year, Catapang said.
He said remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) that killed nine policemen in two recent ambushes in Luzon are being hunted down.
He described as “desperate moves” the rebel attacks on policemen on May 27 in Cagayan where eight policemen were killed, and on July 28 in Tadian, Mt. Province, where a policeman was killed among more than 90 officers who were jogging in the mountains.
Core competency
“In the absence of a clear headway toward a negotiated peace settlement between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA remnants will [fight] to survive,” Catapang said.
He said the attacks were meant “to highlight that there are still NPA remnants and spoilers that can sow fear in the area.”
The police would take the lead role in internal security operations, with the AFP providing support role, he said.
“We will not give up our core competency in fighting the remnants of the NPA to maintain our skills for guerrilla warfare,” he said, clarifying that the Scout Rangers and Special Forces would focus on military operations. “This will free our infantry battalions to train for territorial defense,” he said.
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Philippines urges China: Be a 'responsible nation'
By Louis Bacani (philstar.com) | July 18, 2013
MANILA, Philippines - The verbal tussle between officials of the Philippines and China continues with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday urging the Asian giant to be a "responsible nation" in the West Philippine Sea dispute.
In a statement, DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said China has no choice but to follow the rule of law since the international arbitration for the case filed by the Philippines against China on the territorial dispute is now underway.
“To be accepted as a responsible nation, China has no choice. It must show to the international community its respect for the rule of law, including the mechanism of arbitration which is being pursued by the Philippines to clearly define respective maritime entitlements in the South China Sea," Hernandez said.
He also said China can end the ongoing sea dispute by "defining what the core issue is."
"China claims indisputable sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea through its nine-dash line claim, which is an excessive claim that is in gross violation of the international law,” he said.
Earlier this week, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying accused the Philippines of allegedly continuing "to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China."
Malacañang refused to comment on China's latest statement, but reasserted that the country has legal basis to bring its territorial case against China before the United Nations (UN) amid criticisms from the Asian giant.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda welcomed the decision of the UN arbitration tribunal to start hearing the case of the Philippines against China on the West Philippine Sea dispute.
"We have always maintained that we have legal basis to bring the case before the arbitral tribunal. Certainly, this is a step that we welcome and we hope that this will be resolved in an expeditious manner," Lacierda said at a televised press briefing on Thursday.
Part of the issues that are going to be handled by the arbitral tribunal will be on jurisdiction, according to the Palace official.
"Knowing that we filed it in the arbitral tribunal, we have already anticipated that the issue on jurisdiction will be raised. And, therefore, our lawyers, both the Solicitor General and the other lawyers involved, are fully cognizant of that particular issue," said Lacierda.
The Philippines decided to take the legal action against China after exhausting all other means to peacefully settle their disputes in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea which Beijing claims is part of its historical sovereign territory.
The country is seeking to stop Chinese incursions into its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea and to invalidate China’s sweeping claim to the disputed waters.
Philippines urges China: Be a 'responsible nation' | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
By Louis Bacani (philstar.com) | July 18, 2013
MANILA, Philippines - The verbal tussle between officials of the Philippines and China continues with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday urging the Asian giant to be a "responsible nation" in the West Philippine Sea dispute.
In a statement, DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said China has no choice but to follow the rule of law since the international arbitration for the case filed by the Philippines against China on the territorial dispute is now underway.
“To be accepted as a responsible nation, China has no choice. It must show to the international community its respect for the rule of law, including the mechanism of arbitration which is being pursued by the Philippines to clearly define respective maritime entitlements in the South China Sea," Hernandez said.
He also said China can end the ongoing sea dispute by "defining what the core issue is."
"China claims indisputable sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea through its nine-dash line claim, which is an excessive claim that is in gross violation of the international law,” he said.
Earlier this week, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying accused the Philippines of allegedly continuing "to play up the issue of the South China Sea, distort the facts and smear China."
Malacañang refused to comment on China's latest statement, but reasserted that the country has legal basis to bring its territorial case against China before the United Nations (UN) amid criticisms from the Asian giant.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda welcomed the decision of the UN arbitration tribunal to start hearing the case of the Philippines against China on the West Philippine Sea dispute.
"We have always maintained that we have legal basis to bring the case before the arbitral tribunal. Certainly, this is a step that we welcome and we hope that this will be resolved in an expeditious manner," Lacierda said at a televised press briefing on Thursday.
Part of the issues that are going to be handled by the arbitral tribunal will be on jurisdiction, according to the Palace official.
"Knowing that we filed it in the arbitral tribunal, we have already anticipated that the issue on jurisdiction will be raised. And, therefore, our lawyers, both the Solicitor General and the other lawyers involved, are fully cognizant of that particular issue," said Lacierda.
The Philippines decided to take the legal action against China after exhausting all other means to peacefully settle their disputes in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea which Beijing claims is part of its historical sovereign territory.
The country is seeking to stop Chinese incursions into its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea and to invalidate China’s sweeping claim to the disputed waters.
Philippines urges China: Be a 'responsible nation' | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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China must respect rule of law - DFA
By Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
07/18/2013
MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that China has no choice but to show respect for the rule of law if they want to be accepted by the international community as a responsible nation.
Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez said that this includes "the mechanism of arbitration which is being pursued by the Philippines to clearly define their respected maritime entitlements in the South China Sea."
The DFA issued this statement Thursday in response to Chinese Foreign Minister Hua Chunying's claim that the Philippines has continued to show "indifference to China's lawful rights and interests and legitimate concerns," adding that they continue to oppose the "(Philippines') willful act of pushing for international arbitration."
Hua said the Philippines' actions cast a shadow over the stability of the South China Sea as well as the relations of the two countries.
The DFA, however, said China can just as easily end the dispute over South China sea by defining what the core issue is: China's excessive claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly all of the which is an excessive claim, in gross violation of international law.
This exchange comes amid plans of groups of Filipinos to hold a Global Day of Protest against China on July 24.
Groups are scheduled to hold rallies on Chinese embassies worldwide in protest over China's continuing claim of disputed territories at the West Philippine Sea.
Hernandez said that though the government is not sanctioning these moves, Filipinos have all the right to express in a peaceful manner their position on this maritime dispute.
He said this is unlikely to affect the conduct of the ongoing international arbitration, as the international tribunal will proceed based on its rules and with the merits of the case.
China must respect rule of law - DFA | ABS-CBN News
By Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
07/18/2013
MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that China has no choice but to show respect for the rule of law if they want to be accepted by the international community as a responsible nation.
Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez said that this includes "the mechanism of arbitration which is being pursued by the Philippines to clearly define their respected maritime entitlements in the South China Sea."
The DFA issued this statement Thursday in response to Chinese Foreign Minister Hua Chunying's claim that the Philippines has continued to show "indifference to China's lawful rights and interests and legitimate concerns," adding that they continue to oppose the "(Philippines') willful act of pushing for international arbitration."
Hua said the Philippines' actions cast a shadow over the stability of the South China Sea as well as the relations of the two countries.
The DFA, however, said China can just as easily end the dispute over South China sea by defining what the core issue is: China's excessive claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly all of the which is an excessive claim, in gross violation of international law.
This exchange comes amid plans of groups of Filipinos to hold a Global Day of Protest against China on July 24.
Groups are scheduled to hold rallies on Chinese embassies worldwide in protest over China's continuing claim of disputed territories at the West Philippine Sea.
Hernandez said that though the government is not sanctioning these moves, Filipinos have all the right to express in a peaceful manner their position on this maritime dispute.
He said this is unlikely to affect the conduct of the ongoing international arbitration, as the international tribunal will proceed based on its rules and with the merits of the case.
China must respect rule of law - DFA | ABS-CBN News
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Global survey: 2 in 5 Filipinos see China an 'enemy'
By Camille Diola (philstar.com) | Updated July 19, 2013
MANILA, Philippines - China's image in the Philippines is largely negative due to the tension over the West Philippines Sea with one in four Filipinos say the Asian giant has become the country's foe.
A global survey by Pew Research Center released on Thursday finds that in 2013, 39 percent of the population consider the Asian giant as an "enemy," while 35 percent think China is "neither."
Only 22 percent of Filipinos see China as a "partner."
Among the countries that have a standing territorial disputes with China, it is also the Filipinos who say the sea row with China is a "big problem" in the country.
About 90 percent of Filipinos find the dispute over the West Philippine Sea a headache for the nation. Most of the Japanese (82 percent), South Koreans (77 percent) and Indonesians (62 percent) also think the tension with China is a "big problem."
Several Filipinos--at 22 percent--say China is or will be the world's leading superpower, but most still think the US is and will continue to be at the top globally.
"More than six-in-ten in Japan (67 percent), the Philippines (67 percent), and South Korea (61 percent) name the US as the leading economic power," the study said.
Moreover, more Asians including Filipinos are troubled about China's growing military power.
"Nearly all the Japanese (96 percent) and South Koreans (91 percent) and strong majorities of Australians (71 percent) and Filipinos (68 percent) think China's expanding martial capabilities are bad for their country," the report said.
The Japanese have given China the worst ratings in the survey with only 5 percent of them expressing a positive view.
"Territorial frictions with China are considered major problems in South Korea and the Philippines, although unlike Japan, South Koreans and Filipinos are divided in their overall assessments of China," the report said.
Young adult Filipinos, however, have a slightly more positive views about China with 54 percent of 18 to 29 years old find the country favorable. Only 38 percent of Filipinos over age 50 favor China, while 50 percent of those within the 39 to 40 age bracket have a positive opinion of it.
Filipinos find America 'favorable'
When it comes to the world's major military and economic powers, the United States has a more positive image in the Philippines than China does.
The Pew study showed that almost nine in 10 or 85 percent of Filipinos favor the US, while only one in two or 48 percent of the population find China favorable.
Most of the people in the country also think that the US is an ally, with only three percent saying they see it as an enemy and 13 percent think the US is neither a friend nor foe.
The Philippines' positive perception of America is recorded the highest in Asia and fourth globally. The US is seen as an ally by 90 percent in Israel, 88 percent in El Salvador and 84 percent in Senegal.
Filipinos' positive opinion of the America, however, has slight dwindled since 2002 when 90 percent of Filipinos saw the country favorable.
Global survey: 2 in 5 Filipinos see China an 'enemy' | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
By Camille Diola (philstar.com) | Updated July 19, 2013
MANILA, Philippines - China's image in the Philippines is largely negative due to the tension over the West Philippines Sea with one in four Filipinos say the Asian giant has become the country's foe.
A global survey by Pew Research Center released on Thursday finds that in 2013, 39 percent of the population consider the Asian giant as an "enemy," while 35 percent think China is "neither."
Only 22 percent of Filipinos see China as a "partner."
Among the countries that have a standing territorial disputes with China, it is also the Filipinos who say the sea row with China is a "big problem" in the country.
About 90 percent of Filipinos find the dispute over the West Philippine Sea a headache for the nation. Most of the Japanese (82 percent), South Koreans (77 percent) and Indonesians (62 percent) also think the tension with China is a "big problem."
Several Filipinos--at 22 percent--say China is or will be the world's leading superpower, but most still think the US is and will continue to be at the top globally.
"More than six-in-ten in Japan (67 percent), the Philippines (67 percent), and South Korea (61 percent) name the US as the leading economic power," the study said.
Moreover, more Asians including Filipinos are troubled about China's growing military power.
"Nearly all the Japanese (96 percent) and South Koreans (91 percent) and strong majorities of Australians (71 percent) and Filipinos (68 percent) think China's expanding martial capabilities are bad for their country," the report said.
The Japanese have given China the worst ratings in the survey with only 5 percent of them expressing a positive view.
"Territorial frictions with China are considered major problems in South Korea and the Philippines, although unlike Japan, South Koreans and Filipinos are divided in their overall assessments of China," the report said.
Young adult Filipinos, however, have a slightly more positive views about China with 54 percent of 18 to 29 years old find the country favorable. Only 38 percent of Filipinos over age 50 favor China, while 50 percent of those within the 39 to 40 age bracket have a positive opinion of it.
Filipinos find America 'favorable'
When it comes to the world's major military and economic powers, the United States has a more positive image in the Philippines than China does.
The Pew study showed that almost nine in 10 or 85 percent of Filipinos favor the US, while only one in two or 48 percent of the population find China favorable.
Most of the people in the country also think that the US is an ally, with only three percent saying they see it as an enemy and 13 percent think the US is neither a friend nor foe.
The Philippines' positive perception of America is recorded the highest in Asia and fourth globally. The US is seen as an ally by 90 percent in Israel, 88 percent in El Salvador and 84 percent in Senegal.
Filipinos' positive opinion of the America, however, has slight dwindled since 2002 when 90 percent of Filipinos saw the country favorable.
Global survey: 2 in 5 Filipinos see China an 'enemy' | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
ViXuyen
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This is Moc Tinh-Hai Thach project aka Block 5.2. This block is 370 km from Viet Nam's shore. In 2007, British Petroleum pulled out because of Chinese pressure but Viet Nam continue on with it. So much for Vietnam giving "concession" to China
Construction of the project
bien dong 1 nhat ky cong truong - YouTube
Launch of its jacket
H
Construction of the project
bien dong 1 nhat ky cong truong - YouTube
Launch of its jacket
H
cirr
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This is Moc Tinh-Hai Thach project aka Block 5.2. This block is 370 km from Viet Nam's shore. In 2007, British Petroleum pulled out because of Chinese pressure but Viet Nam continue on with it. So much for Vietnam giving "concession" to China
Construction of the project
bien dong 1 nhat ky cong truong - YouTube
Launch of its jacket
H
CNOOC, BP sign PSC in South China Sea
HOUSTON, July 16
07/16/2013
By OGJ editors
CNOOC, BP sign PSC in South China Sea - Oil & Gas Journal
BP will always choose China over Vietnam。
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