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Activities of Claimant

China wants no talk of South China Sea at ASEAN meeting

On August 3, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said the disputed South China Sea should not be discussed at a meeting of ASEAN. "It should not be discussed," said Liu. "This is not the right forum. This is a forum for promoting cooperation. If the U.S. raises the issue we shall of course object. We hope they will not." But in Washington, State Department Deputy spokesman Mark Toner said tensions in the South China Sea would be discussed as part of regional security concerns." The issue was not on the official agenda, but expectations were high that it would be discussed against a backdrop of increasing tensions and overlapping claims in the potentially energy-rich South China Sea.

Wang Yi Brought Forth a Ten-point Proposal on China-ASEAN Cooperation

On August 5, at the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, Minister Wang said that in building a more closely-knit China-ASEAN community of common destiny and promoting the “2+7″ cooperation framework, China is ready to further deepen China-ASEAN cooperation by putting forward the proposal. According to China, both sides should work together to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea by handling conflicts, maintaining peace, and boosting cooperation towards win-win results. Wang Yi also put forward a Three-point Initiative to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. First, States in the South China Sea region undertake to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, accelerate the consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and actively explore “preventive measures on managing risks at sea”. Second, states outside the region undertake to support the above-mentioned efforts by states in the region, and refrain from taking moves that could raise tension and complicate the situation in the South China Sea. Third, all states undertake to follow the international law in exercising and upholding the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea.

Regarding to the current issue in the South China Sea, Wang Yi said “In fact, China is a victim on the South China Sea issue. “ He said “with a view to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea, we have exercised utmost restraint.” He stressed “we seek to peacefully resolve disputes through negotiation and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

Speaking of proposals, the US side recently proposed "three stops". He said “the US proposal is not feasible. For instance, what is to be stopped? As parties have different positions, what are the criteria for stopping? Who will set the specific criteria? There is no answer to these questions. That said, China still welcomes constructive suggestions from all countries on maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. But such suggestions must be feasible and, more importantly, should not impose double standards.”

FM Spokesperson’s Remarks on Joint Communique of 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Regarding to the On Auguest 08, Joint Communique of 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that “the Chinese side is committed to resolving relevant maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned based on historical facts and pursuant to international law, and jointly safeguarding peace and stability of the South China Sea with ASEAN countries.” She said “the Chinese side is ready to work together with ASEAN countries to forge consensus, deepen cooperation, manage disputes and build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.”

Taiwanese President defends ROC sovereignty over Taiping Island

On August 5, Speaking at the 2015 East Asian Maritime Peace Forum, Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou noted that Taiping Island, also known as Itu Aba, is the largest natural landmass in the Spratlys and has groundwater wells, natural vegetation, and phosphate ore and fishery resources, which allows ROC personnel stationed there to cultivate vegetables and fruit and rear livestock. He stressed “Taiping qualifies as an island according to Article 121 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and can sustain human habitation and economic life on its own.” Over the past six decades, ROC military and coast guard personnel have dwelled on Taiping and conducted their respective missions, which he said exemplifies the ROC's exercise of its sovereignty over the island.

Vietnam

Viet Nam receives Japan-funded ship for fishery surveillance

Viet Nam, August 5, received a ship from the Japanese government as part of its non-refundable aid for the country to ensure maritime safety. The ship, named HAYATO, is 56 meters long and nine meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 1,079 tonnes. The ship will be used by the Viet Nam Fisheries Surveillance Force, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to patrol, control and enforce fishery-related laws at sea. The ship is one of the three ships in the aid package worth 500 million Japanese yen (nearly US$4 million). The other two ships are scheduled to be handed over to Viet Nam later this year by the Japan International Cooperation System.

Philippines

Philippines opposes actions aimed at fabricating legitimacy and entitlements in the reclaimed features

On August 5, speaking at the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Secretary Albert F. del Rosario stated that we strongly oppose any actions aimed at fabricating legitimacy and entitlements in the reclaimed features. He said that over the past year, such aggressive activities have included massive reclamation of some features, construction on the features and announcements that these will be used for purposes that would further heighten tensions and hostilities in the region.

As a means of de-escalating tensions in the region, the Philippines fully support the call of the United States on the "3 halts": halt in reclamation, halt in construction, and halt in aggressive actions that could further heighten tensions. We have to emphasize, however, that this should not in any way legitimize the status of the features reclaimed by China. Mr Albert F. del Rosario reiterated that “we must have to address with China.”

Cambodia

Cambodian PM encourages countries concerned in sea dispute to continue negotiations

On August 3, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated "I do not take any sides in the South China Sea dispute, but I' d like to encourage countries concerned in the dispute to continue negotiations with each other," he said in a speech during the inauguration of a river bridge here. His remarks were made in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The premier said all parties involved in the dispute should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) toward discussing the formulation of a code of conduct (COC).

In a earlier public speech in April, Hun Sen said ASEAN could not play its role on behalf of the countries concerned in the dispute and also urged "uninvolved countries not to try to douse petrol on fire".

Malaysia

Malaysia Upholds ASEAN’s Role in South China Sea issue

Speaking at The Opening Ceremony of The 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 4, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia YB DATO’SRI ANIFAH AMAN said “The issue of the South China Sea is a prime example. ASEAN can and should play a vital part in effecting an amicable settlement. One that respects the dignity of each nation. Above all, we must be seen to address these issues peacefully and cooperatively. We have made a positive start. But we need to do more. Let this be the day we say we will do more.”

The United States

The United Stated reaffirm the Freedome of Navigation in the South China Sea

On August 6, speaking at the EAS forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Secretary of States John Kerry stated “The United States will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea. These are intrinsic rights that we all share. It doesn’t matter whether a vessel is a large warship or a tiny fishing boat. The principle is clear: The rights of all nations must be respected. To that end, I have urged all claimants to make a joint commitment to halt further land reclamation and construction of new facilities or militarization on disputed features. Such steps would lower tensions and create diplomatic space for a meaningful Code of Conduct to emerge by the time our leaders meet here in November. In earlier speech on August 5, Mr. Kerry said “he United States shares the frequently expressed desire of ASEAN members to preserve the peace and stability of the South China Sea. We want to ensure the security of critical sea lanes and fishing grounds, and we want to see that disputes in the area are managed peacefully and on the basis of international law.”

Japan

Japan Weight the Importance of Freedom of Navigation

Speaking at the Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 5. Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed the view that freedom of the high seas in the expanse of ocean from the Pacific through the East China Sea and the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean is a fundamental value and adhering thoroughly to the ''three principles of the rule of law at sea'' is important. State Minister Kiuchi stated that coastal states should exercise self-restraint in unilateral actions that cause a permanent physical change to the marine environment in maritime areas pending final delimitation. Along with explaining the latest situation in the East China Sea, he also voiced deep concern over unilateral actions that change the status quo and heighten tensions in the South China Sea, including large-scale land reclamation, the construction of outposts and their use for military purposes, and he expressed hope for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC).

India

India backs claimants against China

India on August 6 supported the stand taken by some South-East Asian nations that have called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where China is locked in maritime disputes with many of its neighbours. In his remarks at the fifth East Asia Summit foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, junior foreign minister V.K. Singh warned that “in a world of inter-dependence and globalization, there is no option but to follow international laws and norms”.

India supported the “freedom of navigation in international waters, including the South China Sea, the right of passage and overflight, unimpeded commerce and access to resources in accordance with principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “Territorial disputes must be settled through peaceful means, as was done by India and Bangladesh recently using the mechanisms provided under UNCLOS,” Singh said.

“India hopes that all parties to the disputes in the South China Sea will abide by the guidelines on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. We further support efforts for the early adoption of a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea on the basis of consensus,” he added.

Russia

Russia’s View on the South China Sea

On August 5, in an interview with Channel NewsAsia, regarding to South China Sea issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said “we are strongly in favour of any dispute in the South China Sea, in East China Sea, in any sea for that matter to be resolved on the basis of international law, including first of all the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, on the basis of the declarations signed between China and ASEAN. On this basis the countries directly involved in any dispute should find mutually acceptable solutions without any outside interference. We don’t believe that attempts to internationalize these disputes are really healthy. Such attempts normally are intended not to help the countries in question to move closer but rather to gain some political scores internationally. I don’t believe this is serious and I don’t believe this is fair.”

Regional Snapshot

U.S. and Indonesia strengthen maritime partnerships during CARAT 2015

On August 3, A U.S. Navy task group comprised of ships, aircraft, Sailors and Marines arrived in Indonesia to commence the 21st annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2015. The exercise will take place from Aug. 3-10 on the ground in Surabaya and in the waters and airspace of the Java and Bali Seas. More than 1,000 U.S. military members will participate in CARAT Indonesia alongside their counterparts from the Indonesian Navy and Marines. The exercise will feature simultaneous amphibious landings and surface and anti-submarine warfare, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) demonstrations, mobile dive and salvage training, coastal riverine operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, a gunnery exercise, and an anti-air warfare missile live fire training exercise.

CARAT Indonesia is part of a broader bilateral exercise series the U.S. Navy conducts with nine partner navies in South and Southeast Asia to address shared maritime security priorities, strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability among participating forces. Following CARAT Indonesia, additional bilateral phases of CARAT will occur from July through November 2015 with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand.

AMM-48 affirms resolve to form ASEAN Community as schedule

On August 4, ASEAN foreign ministers affirmed the resolve to complete remaining tasks towards the formation the ASEAN Community at the end of this year at the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 48) which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The ministers focused on reviewing the progress of the ASEAN Community roadmap an discussing ways to strengthen external relations and the central role of the grouping as well as regional and international issues of shared concern. Regarding the East Sea (South China sea) issue, the ministers shared deep concerns over complicated developments in the sea, saying that recent actions have reduced trust and raised tensions, threatening peace, stability and security in the East Sea.

They emphasised the importance of ensuring peace, stability, maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom as well as of addressing disputes peacefully on the basis of international law, particularly the UNCLOS, exercising self-restraint, not using or threatening to use violence, fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) on the East Sea and working towards the early formation of a Code of Conduct (COC) on the East Sea.  They also agreed to enhance solidarity, the sense of responsibility and the role of ASEAN in handling the East Sea issue.

ASEAN and China heading to Code of Conduct in the South China Sea

On 5 August 2015, General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, held a joint press briefing with H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. in speaking of security issues, General Tanasak Patimapragorn said “both ASEAN and China reiterated our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea or DOC.  At the same time, to accelerate the consultations on a Code of Conduct or COC.  ASEAN and China have now agreed upon the Second List of Commonalities.  Both sides have agreed to enter a "new phase" of consultations on the COC which would include discussions of a structure for the COC as well as other areas of cooperation. This would pave the way for the early conclusion of the COC.”

Kerry raises South China Sea concerns with China’s Wang

On August 5, Kerry made the remarks to Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of meetings involving the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where maritime tensions have taken center stage. The official said Kerry told Wang that while Washington did not take a position on sovereignty claims in the strategic waterway, it wanted to see them resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. “He encouraged China, along with the other claimants, to halt problematic actions in order to create space for diplomacy,” the official said.

In brief remarks to reporters after his talks with Kerry, Wang said China would pursue “peaceful discussions” to resolve the South China Sea dispute. Countries outside the region should respect efforts by China and ASEAN countries.

Vietnam, China FMs meet on sidelines of AMM 48

On August 4, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the margins of the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 48) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two sides agreed that through close direction from the two countries’ leaders, the relations between Vietnam and China have seen new and positive developments.

On the East Sea (South China Sea) issue. Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh confirmed that Vietnam is deeply concerned over the expansion and building stone islands that change the status quo in the East Sea and affect the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. This is also the deep concern of other ASEAN member states, he stressed.

Minh highlighted the significance of resolving any disputes by peaceful means and in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and joining together to sustain a marine environment of peace and stability.

The Chinese FM affirmed that China is willing to increase high-level meetings between the two countries’ Parties and States as well as enhance strategic exchanges to deepen the bilateral political trust and properly address disputes.

China hopes to promote cooperation with ASEAN in addressing disputes in the East Sea, including marine risk management, he said

 

THE EAST SEA STUDIES