China has refusing to acknowledge The Hague’s decision to refuse Chinese sovereignty over the South China Sea and continues to build on and militarise the islands.
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“This is not the kind of action that is mandated by worldwide law”, Yasay told the news conference, referring to what he said the Philippines and Japan saw as Chinese intimidation and provocation in connection with their disputes.
Ramos told reporters in Hong Kong that the territorial dispute itself was not mentioned during the meeting.
During the trip, he met former Chinese deputy foreign minister Fu Ying and a leading government-backed scholar, Professor Wu Shicun, who is president of China’s National Institute of South China Seas Studies.
“India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability”, the statement said as reported by the Indian Express.
During their meeting in Hong Kong, Ramos said they talked about returning the status quo ante for fishing.
Carpio said the initiative could be done collectively through a convention or a treaty or even individually if it failed to get the cooperation of all other claimants.
Ramos said they did not discuss territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but talked about fishing rights there.
A statement signed by Ramos, Fu and Wu yesterday said that in addition to marine conservation and fishing rights, the two nations should cooperate on tourism, investment, and cracking down on drugs and corruption.
The five-judge tribunal took the view that Beijing’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea have no legal or historical basis.
Ramos said there would be a second round of discussions soon.
The boat’s collision with the 96,821-tonne Anangel Courage took place near the Diaoyu Islands at 5am local time on Thursday.
Mr Ohtaka said Mr Duterte and Mr Kishida also discussed Japan’s US$2.4 billion loan for a new railway aimed at easing Manila’s notorious gridlock.
“I’m confident that our two nations sharing strategic interests will work closely forward to actively contribute to peace and stability of the global community”, Kishida said.
“Through the visit of Ramos, the Philippines is expected to hear China’s voice and understand Beijing’s concerns over South China Sea issues, to improve bilateral ties”, he said.
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Filipino fishermen have also complained of harassment by Chinese government vessels in the Scarborough Shoal.
