The Philippines has appealed to China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for full support and sincere cooperation in transforming the South China Sea into a “sea of peace, security, stability and prosperity.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. made this gesture during the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (SACFMM) held in Chongqing, China on Monday, June 7, 2021 marking the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue relations.
During the meeting, it was earlier reported that the ASEAN foreign ministers and China agreed to exercise restraint in the South China Sea and refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions.
A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that on the South China Sea issue, the meeting reiterated commitment for the full implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to the resumption of the momentum of negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) which were earlier affected by travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.
“Sec. Locsin appealed for full support and sincere cooperation to achieve our collective aspiration for the South China Sea to be a sea of peace, security, stability and prosperity; not a moat between the members of the family of Southeast Asian nations but a wide watery highway for trade and connection,” the DFA said.
As Country Coordinator, Locsin co-chaired the SACFMM with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
“The Meeting marked accomplishments and milestones in 30 years of relations and reflected on the direction of future cooperation, which is among the most substantial in ASEAN’s external relations,” the DFA said.
Aside from the South China Sea, the Southeast Asian region’s foreign ministers also discussed with China the COVID-19 response and recovery, with Beijing pledging continued support to ASEAN Members States (AMS) in their fight against the pandemic, primarily through the provision of vaccines.
According to the DFA, the Ministers called for intensified cooperation for economic recovery, encouraging the early implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the benefits and opportunities of ASEAN’s Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
On the situation in Myanmar, the Ministers expressed concern and encouraged progress in the implementation of the consensus that was achieved during the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting held in Jakarta last April 24.
It was said that Locsin pushed for dialogue and reconciliation while equally calling for the release and restoration of the status quo ante before the coup and the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees.
“Solidarity and compassion is the path we are taking. It is the rain that grows flowers, not the thunder,” Locsin was quoted as telling his counterparts in the ASEAN and China.