Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — Finally, after years of failed attempts, the Philippines and China will talk one-on-one about their overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
Discussions begin in May, with China offering to host the meeting.
“Itong bagong proposal na ito, bago ito, no? Bilateral consultation mechanism specifically on the South China Sea,” said Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Charles Jose.
[Translation: This proposal is a new one, a bilateral consultation mechanism specifically on the South China Sea.]
There were attempts to hold bilateral talks during the Aquino administration and in the early days of the Duterte administration, but these failed because Beijing insisted that Manila first concede to China’s claimed indisputable sovereignty’ over the waters even before talks could begin.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says, this time, China has not made that demand.
“Walang ganun, no? In fact, na-revive na yung mga dati nating na-suspend na mga bilateral consultation mechanisms,” Jose said.
[Translation: There was nothing of the sort. In fact, the previously suspended bilateral constitution mechanisms were revived.]
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This announcement from both governments comes as China faces questions over recent reports that three of its reclaimed islands in the Spratlys can now serve as bases for warplanes and missile launchers.
“As for whether or not China deploys necessary national defense facilities on its own territory, it is within the scope of China’s sovereignty. It is also a right to self-preservation and self-defense to which a sovereign state is entitled under international law,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying.
But Manila stands by its claims, some of which were affirmed by an international arbitral tribunal last year.
“Meron tayong both territorial and maritime claims and with regard to the territorial claim, we claim sovereignty at dun sa maritime claims, we claim sovereign rights…Gusto lang ulitin natin yung panawagan natin to all countries concerned to exercise self-restraint, not to use force or threat of force,” Jose said.
[Translation: We have both territorial and maritime claims and with regard to the territorial claim, we claim sovereignty; as for the maritime claims, we claim sovereign rights…We just want to reiterate our call to countries concerned to exercise self-restraint, not to use force or threat of force.]
The DFA said China’s military build-up on these reclaimed but contested islands will likely be part of the talks in May.
