Davao City (CNN Philippines, November 1) — President Rodrigo Duterte said that the maritime dispute in the South China Sea was among a number of issues he discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their bilateral talks.
Speaking to reporters late Tuesday on his arrival from a two-day official visit in Japan, Duterte said he discussed the South China Sea issue with Abe since Japan is one the of the countries pushing for freedom of navigation
The Japanese Prime Minister had earlier said it is important the disputed sea conflict be solved peacefully. President Duterte reiterated on Tuesday that he believes China is seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
“China has put it on record, that near the Pag-asa, where we also have our bay there, the Scarborough islands, China has committed to us not to build anything there and I hope that they would honor that commitment to us,” the President said.
In his remarks on Monday, Prime Minister Abe made no specific mention of the South China Sea, referring only to Japan’s support for efforts to combat transshipment of illegal drugs and maritime safety in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. The seas lie to the south of the island of Palawan, while the South China Sea lies to the north of it.
“We will steadily implement the medium to long term action plans related to illegal drugs counter measures and also as measures for maritime safety; and also terrorism and security measures we will proceed with cooperation to enhance coastal surveillance capacity building. And we will further provide support to strengthen safety in Sulu and Celebes Seas and other parts of the region,” Abe had said.
Foreign ministers of Japan, United States, and Australia in August called on China to abide by the arbitral tribunal ruling in July 2016 that ruled in favor of the Philippines’ claims on disputed islands in the South China Sea.
However, China has refused to acknowledge the ruling. In late 2016 until 2017, Chinese presence in the area prevented Filipino fishermen from fishing at the mouth of the shoal, despite the landmark ruling.
Pag-asa Island is within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, and is the seat of the Kalayaan municipal government under the province of Palawan.
Duterte said he is counting on China to keep its word, describing it a commitment with honor. But when asked if China will continue with its construction work in the dispute territories, he said it will be for China to respond.
“It’s not for me to say. It’s them. That question should be answered by them. Not by me. Klaro na ako dito. Wala naman akong inagaw, basta ito akin [I’m clear with this. I did not take away anything, because this is mine],” he said.
In August, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano’s claim that China deployed military and fishing vessels one to three nautical miles north of Pag-asa Island. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the presence of Chinese ships alone in the South China Sea does not mean anything.
