The Philippines said on Wednesday it was “gravely concerned” that Chinese boats were preparing to build structures at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, shattering an appearance of cordiality at the summit. China has built seven such islands in the disputed, resource-rich sea, alarming neighbors and rival claimants.
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“The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped clarify maritime rights in the region”, Obama said.
Asian leaders played down tensions over the South China Sea in a carefully worded summit statement on Thursday, but even before it was issued Beijing voiced frustration with countries outside the region “interfering” in tussles over the strategic waterway.
Observers said the outcome would likely please China, and provide a setback to both the US and Japan, which have repeatedly urged Beijing to respect the tribunal’s verdict.
The South China Sea row is among several security threats at the center of discussion Thursday at the summit.
It didn’t mention China by name.
Tensions have ratcheted up in the past two years as China has reclaimed land in massive dredging operations in the Spratly Islands, turning sandbars into islands equipped with airfields, ports and lighthouses. Some of the islands have airstrips capable of handling military aircraft. China claims virtually the entire sea as its own, citing historical reasons.
China claims much of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion worth of trade moves each year. They benefit greatly from its powerful economy – China is now the biggest source of tourists to the region – but its growing might also poses challenges.
Beijing has rejected the ruling and continued its activities.
A joint statement, however, did not refer to the arbitration court ruling.
To maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, it is essential for the global community as a whole to share with Japan and the United States an awareness of the issues and apply continued pressure on China. Obama and Modi have focused on climate change in their past meetings, so it was likely they would discuss further it during the East Asia Summit. China took control of Scarborough shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine Navy.
China retaliated with its foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying saying, “The situation concerning Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) is unchanged”.
With that in mind, it has conducted patrols close to Chinese-held islands, to Beijing’s anger, while China has been bolstering its military presence in the sea.
Hua added: “We should be highly alert against the mischief-making intentions of people who spread such groundless information in such situations”.
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The Philippines took its dispute with China to the worldwide tribunal some years ago, but the country’s new president, Rodrigo Duterte, who took office on June 30, has been more conciliatory toward China.
