China’s Proposals to Manage South China Sea Dispute Ignored by Philippines
In a recent development, China has expressed frustration over the Philippines’ lack of response to proposals aimed at managing their dispute in the South China Sea.
An unnamed senior Chinese official revealed to the Manila Times that the deal put forward was “met with inaction by the Marcos administration”.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr countered by stating that while they did not outright reject the deal, they had concerns regarding its premise.
The South China Sea remains a contentious area of disagreement between China, the Philippines, and several other nations.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have reached new heights in recent months, with a particular focus on a deteriorating ship stranded at Second Thomas Shoal, strategically placed by the Philippines to assert its territorial claim.
Regular resupply missions to the ship, known as Sierra Madre, have led to confrontations between the Philippine Coast Guard and their Chinese counterparts.
According to the Manila Times, China’s proposal in April, including conditions for Filipino resupply missions, was left unaddressed by the Marcos administration.
The report indicated that China’s offer permitted resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal with restrictions on ship quantity and the transport of large-scale building materials.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) refuted the claims, stating that while some proposals were viable, others conflicted with national interests.
President Marcos emphasized the questionable foundation of China’s proposals, particularly referencing the disputed 10-dash line map.
He clarified that while the Philippines had not rejected any proposals outright, the basis of China’s claims in the South China Sea remains unrecognized internationally.
China’s expansive territorial claims in the region, delineated by the 10-dash line, have faced widespread criticism and opposition.
Since assuming office in June 2022, President Marcos has shifted the Philippines back towards its traditional ally, the US, prompting backlash from China.
Following a collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels last October, US President Joe Biden pledged to defend Manila under their mutual defense treaty.
Contrary to his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who pursued closer ties with China, Marcos has taken a firmer stance against China’s maritime claims, aligning with international arbitration rulings.
As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, the complexities of managing territorial disputes and geopolitical rivalries remain at the forefront of regional concerns. — BBC
