Author Archives: admin

Ex-DFA chief wants SCS ruling in sea code

  MANILA, Philippines — The South China Sea arbitration ruling should be an integral part of a binding Code of Conduct (COC), according to former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, as he enjoined Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to exercise “utmost vigilance” to ensure that China will not undermine the ruling […]

Beijing pledges ‘long term peace’ in South China Sea where its Asean neighbours also stake claims

  China is hopeful for “new progress” to be made in ongoing talks with the Asean bloc for a code of conduct governing the disputed South China Sea, Premier Li Keqiang said at a summit on Sunday, as other regional leaders called for countries to exercise restraint over the row. Li’s comments at the twice-yearly […]

Duterte in ASEAN: South China Sea issue must be resolved peacefully in accordance with UNCLOS

  Malacañang has confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte joined his fellow heads of state and government of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in their plenary session in the evening of November 2. A statement released by Malacanang on Sunday reads that President Duterte talked about the challenges that face ASEAN, […]

DFA verifying Chinese ship harassment of Filipino-crewed ship in West PH Sea

  MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday, November 2, that it was looking into a report that a Chinese vessel harassed a Filipino-crewed commercial ship near Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea last September 30. “We will verify the facts of the incident then relevant offices […]

A Difficult Summer in the South China Sea

  Chinese coercive activities persist in one of Asia’s hottest flashpoints. In July, a China Geological Survey ship, the Haiyang Dizhi 8, entered Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and commenced seismic surveying in waters near Vanguard Bank. The Haiyang Dizhi 8 was accompanied by several escorts including China Coast Guard (CCG) ships. China’s actions were […]

Duterte in ASEAN: Let’s exercise ‘self-restraint’ in South China Sea

  MANILA, Philippines – While calling for the enforcement of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), President Rodrigo Duterte urged leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday, November 2, to exercise “self-restraint” in effecting their claims. “ASEAN must, therefore, remain united. We must lead the way […]

Duterte in ASEAN: Let’s exercise ‘self-restraint’ in South China Sea

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – While calling for the enforcement of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), President Rodrigo Duterte urged leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday, November 2, to exercise “self-restraint” in effecting their claims. “ASEAN must, therefore, remain united. We must lead the way in […]

Duterte in ASEAN: Let’s exercise ‘self-restraint’ in South China Sea

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – While calling for the enforcement of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), President Rodrigo Duterte urged leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday, November 2, to exercise “self-restraint” in effecting their claims. “ASEAN must, therefore, remain united. We must lead the way in […]