CLINTON
[EARLIER PHOTO - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario (sixth from left) met with the Ambassadors of ASEAN member-states based
in Manila and briefed them on Philippine perspectives on recent developments in
the West Philippine Sea, and on the country's proposal for a 'rules-based
regime' in the area. In the meeting, Secretary del Rosario stated that
transforming the area into a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Cooperation
(ZoPFF/C) provides the key to addressing the claims of the country-claimants and
in advancing a peaceful settlement of disputes. Secretary del Rosario unveiled
the proposal for a rules-based regime in an opinion-editorial published in
leading Philippine newspapers on June 07. Secretary del Rosario urged ASEAN to
take a common position and, as a family of nations, together seek common
approaches in addressing challenges. Under the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN
member-states committed themselves to intensifying community building through
enhanced regional cooperation and integration, in particular establish the ASEAN
Community by 2015, which is comprised of the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN
Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Photo by: Benjamin Remo, DFA-PISU.]
WORLD NEWS FROM VIETNAM NET, JUNE 21, 2011 (VIETNAM NET ONLINE) Last update 18/06/2011 05:00:00
AM (GMT+7)
The Philippines' "rules-based approach" to settling the Spratlys
dispute and China's use of its growing economic and military power to assert its
claims will most likely be the main talking points during next week's meeting in
Washington between Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and US Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton, a senior Philippine diplomat disclosed Thursday.
The unidentified source noted that Clinton extended an invitation for Del
Rosario to visit Washington last month when tensions between Manila and Beijing
over the Spratlys flared up.
Foreign Assistant Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, who is also the department's
spokesman, confirmed that Del Rosario was making an "official trip to the US
upon the invitation of Clinton" but did not provide details about the topics for
discussion.
Del Rosario said last week that "a rules-based approach provides the key to
securing the country's claims to the Spratly Islands and advancing the peaceful
settlement of disputes in the South China Sea."
"Where there are disputes, rules provide an effective tool for peaceful and
fair resolution," he said, adding that the Philippine policy on the South China
Sea was "grounded on an unwavering adherence to international law."
"We expect nothing less from our international partners," Del Rosario added,
referring to the other Spratly claimants: China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and
Brunei.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia said that when Clinton called Del
Rosario sometime in March to congratulate him on his appointment as foreign
secretary, they agreed to meet.
"Clinton followed that up with the invitation," Cuisia said, adding the DFA
boss would be in Washington from June 20 to 24.
Last weekend, the US Embassy in Manila released Clinton's message to the
Philippines on its Independence Day in which she said both countries were
"long-standing friends and partners."
"We stood together during World War II to defend liberal democratic values.
Today, we are working together on many new fronts. Whether we are working to
find ways to catalyze economic growth, helping victims of natural disasters,
combating extremism, or calling for greater protection of human rights, our two
countries share a vision of a better world," said Clinton.
Last October, Clinton told leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations during the Asean summit in Hanoi that the US had a key stake in
increasingly tense territorial disputes between China and its neighbors.
"The US has a national interest in the freedom of navigation and unimpeded
lawful commerce. And when disputes arise over maritime territory, we are
committed to resolving them peacefully based on customary international law,"
she said.
Clinton said Washington had no intention of relinquishing its role as a
dominant power in the region, stressing, "We will continue to leverage the
strength of our bilateral relationships and continue expanding our emerging
partnerships with a wide range of countries."
"Her comments were couched in diplomatic niceties, but the message was clear:
China must not use its growing economic and military strength to bully its
neighbors. Previous similar remarks from Clinton and other US officials have
drawn harsh criticism from the Chinese, who claim sovereignty over vast swaths
of territory in the East and South China seas," said an Associated Press report.
Source: Inquirer
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2011 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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