At left is Murray Hiebert, senior adviser at Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Advertisement
Late on Thursday, Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte had made his first comments on Tuesday’s ruling, saying he wanted dialogue with China and was considering sending former President Fidel Ramos to Beijing as an envoy.
New Philippine Solicitor General Jose Calida talks to the media during a break in the forum on Tuesday’s ruling by the Hague-based United Nations global arbitration tribunal favoring the Philippines in its case against China on the dispute in South China Sea Friday, July 15, 2016 in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. Manila’s top government lawyer, Jose Calida, stressed on Friday there would be no concessions to China.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Thursday he will consult several people, including former President Fidel V. Ramos, to help the government discuss the issue with China and will even ask Ramos to go to China for this objective.
“Frankly speaking, I was shocked by the remarks from the Foreign Minister Bishop”, Lu Kang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The tribunal found there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s.
The Philippines filed the legal challenge against China in 2013 under Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino.
After being sworn in on June 30, Duterte told members of his Cabinet before the ruling was delivered that it should have a “soft landing” when it comes. “In the meantime we urge all parties to de-escalate tensions, not take any action that would provoke or increase tensions”, she said.
“We value the award given by the (tribunal), and the Philippines will not concede any of the awards given to us”, Calida said.
“The rule-based worldwide order is in our common interest and both China and the EU have to protect it”, European Council President Donald Tusk said one day after the Hague announced its decision.
Carpio said the Constitution provides that “the use and enjoyment of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) shall be reserved exclusively to the Philippines”. “We will be patient of course and hopefully China will show the same grace that we have shown”, Calida added.
The US has expressed opposition to the construction of a series of artificial islands in the waterway, accusing Beijing of attempting to establish an air defense zone in the region.
Advertisement
“While there is no so-called world sheriff to enforce it, the award can function as a focal point that enables the state and non-state actors to bring countries in line with worldwide law”, Calida said.
