RP wants code of conduct in South China Sea amid disputes

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday said he hopes Asian countries can come up with a code of conduct that will prevent further disputes over territories within the South China Sea during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit next week. Aquino, who will fly to Vietnam on Tuesday for the summit and a state visit, said he wants a "mutually beneficial" code of conduct for countries who have claims over disputed territories within the South China Sea. These include islands, shoals, islets, atolls, cays and reefs that are believed to be rich sources of minerals and oil reserves. "Maganda na wala tayong hostilities na nagfe-flare up in that area pero baka yung next phase naman dito, pano ba natin mae-explore ang possibility na lahat ng claimant countries can really start reaping the fruits of the potentials of this area na parang maging mutually beneficial," Aquino said at a press briefing in Tarlac City. (It's good that hostilities will not flare up over this area, and perhaps the next phase can be the possible exploration by all claimant countries so we can really start reaping the fruits of the potentials of this area that can be mutually beneficial.) He said he wants to achieve in the end a "greater cohesion, greater cooperation in the economic field more than anything." "Hopefully that will lead to greater stability within the region," Aquino said. In 2002, China and ASEAN members—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines—signed a declaration in the conduct of parties in the South China Sea that affirms their commitment to resolve disputes peacefully and coordinate with each other regarding activities that they plan to conduct within the territory. They also affirmed their commitment to the adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea that "would further promote peace and stability in the region," but no formal code has so far materialized. China previously rejected a formal regional code of conduct drafted by the Philippines and Vietnam in 1999, saying it legitimizes the claims of other states in the territories. China, however, has lately been more open to the adoption of a formal code, with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchai saying early this month that concerned parties are discussing the code of conduct at the working level. Aside from the summit, the ASEAN countries are expected to hold the ASEAN Plus Three Summit with China, Japan, and Korea and the East Asia Summit with Australia, New Zealand, and India. Aquino said he also wants to tackle during the summit issues such as global warming, piracy, pollution, and terrorism. He also said the public can expect him to make a strong statement on Myanmar, which will hold its first election in 20 years on November 7. Detained democracy leader Au Sang Suu Kyi has been banned from participating in the polls. - KBK, GMANews.TV