Philippines lauds G7 support in sea dispute with China

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines welcomed yesterday the Group of Seven (G7)’s support in rejecting China’s baseless and expansive claims, and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.

In a strongly worded statement, G7 foreign ministers criticized China’s “dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea” and the use of “water cannons against Philippine vessels” – the first time seven of the world’s most powerful democracies specifically referred to China’s use of water cannons on Philippine resupply missions near Ayungin Shoal.

“The Philippines welcomes the G7 Foreign Ministers’ reiteration of their collective commitment to the rule of law and to the rules-based maritime order anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

“We appreciate the G7’s support in rejecting China’s baseless and expansive claims, and their call for China to cease its illegal activities, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea that engage in dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels,” the DFA said.

The G7 communiqué dated April 19 came after their Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Capri, Italy. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union is a “non-enumerated” member.

The DFA said they “duly note and appreciates the G7’s reaffirmation that the 2016 Arbitral Award is a significant milestone and a useful basis for the peaceful management and resolution of differences at sea.”

The G7 said “There is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s militarization, coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.”

The Philippines, firmly committed to the UNCLOS and the binding Arbitral Award of 2016, shares the G7’s vision of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and stands firm against any actions that undermine international security and stability. 

“We want to see a South China Sea of peace, stability and prosperity, and the cessation of interference, obstruction and harassment of the Philippines’ legal activities within our recognized maritime entitlements,” the DFA said.

Senate probe on Duterte eyed

The admission of former president Rodrigo Duterte of his secret deal with China involving the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at the Ayungin Shoal would all the more warrant an investigation from the Senate, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said yesterday.

“Duterte has already admitted that is a big crime of his in our country,” Hontiveros said in an interview over dzBB on Sunday.

The senator described as “unacceptable” Duterte’s secret deal with China involving the Sierra Madre, which was to allow resupply missions, but not the outpost’s repair. — Cecille Suerte Felipe