‘No major change’ seen in US policy on South China Sea – navy

Metro Manila, Philippines — The outcome of the United States elections will have no major impact on the disputed West Philippine Sea, said the navy spokesperson for the maritime area.

In a forum on Wednesday, Nov. 6, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said if ever there will be changes, these will be on the tactical details.

“I look at it as the overall thrust will remain but details, small details, there will be changes in that, which is usually what’s happening each time there’s change of administration in a country,” he noted.

“I would see that there would be no major change in the overall policy of the US when it comes to the South China Sea,” Trinidad said.

The West Philippine Sea is part of the country’s exclusive economic zone as declared in a 2016 arbitral ruling. China has refused to recognize the decision and maintained its sweeping claims over the entire South China Sea.

Permanent task force

The Philippines held a number of multilateral maritime cooperative activities in the West Philippine Sea with 10 nations, including the US, Japan, Australia, and Canada. More drills are expected, Trinidad said.

The spokesperson said forming a permanent task force for the West Philippine Sea was a “step in the right direction.”

Trinidad said a military alliance may not be feasible among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) because of “divergent views.”

“We do not expect much from ASEAN partners, maybe individually. But as a whole, it would still be the countries — European powers and other western countries,” he said.

Trinidad assured the public that the military is striving to maintain peace in the South China Sea.