Philippines remains open to diplomacy with China: National security adviser

MANILA - The Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and believes the two nations can achieve a resolution to disputes over the South China Sea through peaceful dialogue, its national security adviser said in a statement on Jan 5.

Mr Eduardo Ano’s remarks came after a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Jan 4 called recent joint patrols by the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea

“provocative” and “irresponsible”.

“Our joint patrols with the United States and potential future activities with other allied countries show our mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and for promoting peace and stability of the region,” he said.

The Chinese embassy in Manila repeated the foreign ministry spokesperson’s comments when asked to respond to Mr Ano’s remarks.

Two Chinese navy vessels

had shadowed Philippine and US ships

conducting the recently concluded joint patrols, the Philippine military said on Jan 4.

The two-day maritime exercises

involved four vessels from the Philippine navy and four ships from the US Indo-Pacific fleet, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. The patrols ended on Jan 4 and the US vessels called at the port of Manila on Jan 5.

The joint patrols were the second held by the Philippines and the US in less than two months in the South China Sea, where tensions over disputed territorial claims are flaring.

“The Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations,” Mr Ano said.

“We believe that through peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law, we can achieve a resolution that serves the best interest of all parties involved in the region,” he said.

China lays claim to almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than US$3 trillion (S$3.99 trillion) in annual ship commerce. China’s claims of sovereignty overlap territorial waters claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China’s claims had no legal basis. China has rejected that ruling.