Filtered By: Topstories
News

China warns anew vs US role in Spratlys dispute


China will “take all the necessary measures" in maintaining peace and stability in the disputed Spratly islands but these do not include giving the United States (US) any role in the negotiations among claimants, a Chinese diplomat said. “(The US should) have no involvement in the negotiations, as it would only complicate matters," said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao in a press briefing on Wednesday at his residence in Makati City. According to Liu, the Spratlys dispute does not concern the US because it is between China and other countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) claiming the islands. “There should be no role given to the US in the negotiations (for a new agreement). (The) dispute in Spratly islands is an issue between China and the relevant countries with claims (to the islands)," the Chinese ambassador added. The Spratly islands, a group of islets in the South China Sea, are believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits. These islands are claimed in whole by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Liu said China wants a legally binding treaty with the ASEAN as part of the negotiations for the disputed group of islands. The Chinese government is thus hosting a three-day meeting from December 22 to 24 in Kunming, China, Liu said. The meeting is aimed at formulating a more binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. “China's position is to take all the necessary measures so that Nansha islands (Spratly islands) will remain a stable and peaceful place," Liu said. He said China likewise agrees to drawing up a treaty to make the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC) “more specific and effective." China and ASEAN senior officials met in Hanoi as a concluding meeting of Vietnam's chairmanship of ASEAN this year. "We're looking at a follow-up of the DOC that will make it a more effective and specific (agreement)," Liu explained. He added that China remains committed in pushing for “enhanced measures in preserving peace and security in the region." – with Jerrie Abella, VVP, GMANews.TV

LOADING CONTENT