Defense chief questions China commitment to resolve South China Sea disputes

Metro Manila, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro has expressed doubts about China's reaffirmation of its commitment to peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea.

In an interview with reporters on Monday, Teodoro questioned the sincerity of Beijing's statements.

"Kung committed sila sa dialogue, yung kapani-paniwala naman," said Teodoro.

[Translation: If they are committed to dialogue, it should be believable.]

He downplayed Beijing's word following a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry calling on all parties to respect historical facts.

"China remains committed to settling maritime differences with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Teodoro called it more of a monologue than a dialogue.

"Sila lang naman naniniwala," he added.

[Translation: "They are the only ones who believe in it.]

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for "self-restraint" in actions that could undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea.

In a 44-page chairman's statement released over the weekend following the ASEAN Summit in Laos, the regional bloc highlighted its concerns.

"We discussed the situation in the South China Sea, during which concerns were expressed by some ASEAN Member States on the land reclamations and activities in the area, including actions that put the safety of all persons at risk, damage to the marine environment, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region," ASEAN said.

The statement emphasized that disputes must be resolved peacefully and in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation," ASEAN added.

The bloc also acknowledged the progress in efforts to conclude the rules-based and binding South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC).

"We emphasized the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the COC negotiations, and thus welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation," the statement said.