Asean to take soft stance on South China Sea disputes: Report

MANILA — South-east Asian nations will adopt a softer than usual tone about South China Sea disputes at a leaders’ summit on Saturday (April 29) in Manila, and exclude references to militarisation or island-building, according to a draft of the chairman’s statement.

The statement will merely hint at China’s island-building in the sea without mentioning it by name, according to the draft obtained by AFP.

“We shared the serious concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments and escalation of activities in the area, which may further raise tensions and erode trust and confidence in the region,” the statement said.

The statement would be a watered-down version of the one issued last year, and comes amid a charm offensive by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who takes the rotating Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) chair this year, to court China for business deals and to avoid rows over sovereignty in the South China Sea. The draft also noted “progress” on a framework for a code of conduct on the South China Sea. 

Filipino diplomats have said that the framework might be completed by June, with China expressing optimism about the talks.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about US$5 trillion (S$7 trillion) worth of sea-borne goods pass every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims on the strategic waterway.

Asean references to the South China Sea issue typically do not name China, which has been expanding its seven man-made islands in the Spratlys, including with hangers, runways, radars and surface-to-air missiles.

Last year’s Asean statement in Laos emphasised the importance of “non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities, including land reclamation”.

According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, China will soon be capable of deploying fighter jets on three of its reefs. 

China insists its activities are for defence purposes and are taking place in what it considers its sovereign waters.

The foreign minister of the former administration, Mr Albert del Rosario, said on Tuesday the Philippines’ hosting of Asean summit was an opportunity for Mr Duterte to raise China’s militarisation.

“We should utilise our leadership to be able to uphold the rule of law,” he said. “The leadership of the Philippines will lose a lot of influence if we pass up that opportunity.” AGENCIES