Philippines needs to exercise 'utmost vigilance' in sea code talks with China — Del Rosario
MANILA, Philippines — While China had declared that it wants to go ahead with the signing of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the Philippines must exercise vigilance in the negotiations.
Being one of the claimant states, the Philippines had also taken over the role of
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who led the Philippines in its arbitration against China, noticed that China appears to be adopting a "delaying" strategy in the COC.
Beijing seems to
"To us, it means that we will need to exercise utmost vigilance in ensuring that the COC
Consult Vietnam
The former DFA chief also suggested that the Philippines consult with Vietnam on
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Hanoi had previously specified banning any new Air Defense
Vietnam had also suggested blocking the proposal of China to ban military drills in the South China Sea with non-regional powers unless all signatories agree.
Quoting Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, Del Rosario said: "Vietnam endeavors to enhance the cooperation and complementarity between the council and regional organizations, particularly in conflict prevention and sustainable peace efforts."
Hanoi will take over the chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2020.
According to Del Rosario, an ASEAN consensus on Vietnam's specific positions would show that the 10-member regional bloc has a solid body willing to uphold centrality and will not allow itself to
"It's unavoidable," Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary
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