A satellite photo of Fiery Cross Reef
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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underlined the importance of the rule of law and a peaceful resolution. Similarly, the Philippines ’s Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay Jr. at the summit discussed the need for all parties to respect the recent decision of the PCA.
In his speech at a session during the summit in Mongolia, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay said his country will strive for peaceful resolutions and work with countries involved to ease tensions in the region. He stated that the Philippines will push for mutually beneficial ties with all countries. The same day, Jose Calida, a top Philippine government lawyer, stressed that Manila will make no concessions to Beijing.
At a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on the sideline of the ASEM summit, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged all sides involved in the tribunal that they should respect international law.
Prior to the meeting, PM Abe also mentioned the subject in a speech he made at the summit. Abe said the summit should discuss the East Sea issue and underscored the importance of a peaceful solution to the issue in line with international law.
According to the PCA, China’s claim to “historic rights” over waters within its “nine-dash line” is contrary to the UNCLOS. It said Beijing has caused long-term and irreparable harm to the coral ecosystem in the Truong Sa archipelago.
The PCA ruling also stressed that China has interfered with the traditional fishing rights of the Philippines in Scaborough Shoal, highlighting that China’s actions have worsened disputes between the country and the Philippines when efforts have been made to resolve the disputes.
Acting Spokesperson of the Lao Foreign Ministry Bounnem Chuonghom
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The acting Spokesperson of the Lao Foreign Ministry made the statement at a press conference held exclusively for local reporters in Vientiane. This is the first time Laos has voiced its viewpoints on the East Sea issue since the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague, the Netherlands, issued the final ruling rejecting China’s “nine-dash line” and its “historic rights” in the waters areas.
Laos has delightedly acknowledged progresses made in the organisation of the implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), including the consultations for a code of conduct (COC) in the sea area and urged for efforts to be continued to push the process forward, according to the diplomat.
At the press conference, the official also informed reporters about the preparations for the 49th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and related meetings. The Permanent Court of Arbitration declared on July 12 that China’s claim to “historic rights” over waters within its “nine-dash line” is contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
It said China has caused permanent and irreparable harm to the coral reef ecosystem at the Spratly (Truong Sa) archipelago, and that it also has no historic title over waters of the East Sea. The Hague Tribunal also finds no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the nine-dash line, and that China has interfered with traditional Philippine fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal.
The territorial dispute over the East Sea overshadowed the Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) in Ulan Bator, Mongolia where Chinese Premier Li Keqiang objected to the ruling, saying the decision has no legal basis for China’s claims and the disputes should be settled through “bilateral negotiations of the parties concerned on the basis of historic facts,” reported the newspaper.
