Philippines: Beijing refuses to ‘budge’ on South China Sea: Philippines

  • Beijing told visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that its position on the South China Sea was not up for negotiation, a spokesman for the leader said 30 Aug 19
  • China claims most of the contested sea, including waters close to Philippine shores, and has rejected a UN-backed international tribunal ruling that said its assertion to the Sea is without legal basis.
  • Duterte is under growing pressure at home to challenge China – after largely setting aside the standoff for years.
  • In a meeting between the Philippine leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping on 29 Aug 19 evening, Xi reiterated his government’s position of not recognising the tribunal ruling “as well as not budging from its position”, said Duterte’s spokesman.
  • The pair agreed to work together to “manage” the issue and recognised “the importance of self-restraint and respect for freedom of navigation in – and overflight above – the South China Sea”, he said.
  • The decision to raise the issue marks a turnaround for Duterte, who had revived once-icy diplomatic ties with Beijing after being elected in 2016 when he set aside the maritime ruling in favour of wooing Chinese aid, trade and investment.
  • According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Xi said the two countries should “put aside disputes, eliminate external interference” over the South China Sea, and “make greater strides in the joint development of offshore oil and gas” in the region.
  • Despite the territorial issues, Manila and Beijing signed a series of agreements over joint cooperation in fields including education, and Duterte hailed the “friendship and the value of our ties” between the two countries.

External Link : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/china-beijing-refuses-to-budge-on-south-china-sea-philippines-11856846

30-Aug-2019