PM vows to back South China Sea code of conduct

PM vows to back South China Sea code of conduct

THAILAND will continue to ensure the implementation of a code of conduct between China and Asean states, as conflict over the South China Sea persists, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has assured Philippine President Benigno Aquino. 

Thailand is the country coordinator assigned to Asean-China relations for 2012 to 2015.

Prayut, who is visiting Manila for the first time since he assumed office last year, said he and Aquino discussed their views on the issue during an hour-long expanded bilateral meeting held in Malacanang yesterday morning.

“I expressed appreciation to the Philippines for supporting Thailand in the role of country coordinator for Asean-China relations and [Thailand is] firm to cooperate with the Philippines and Asean countries in fully implementing the declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and promoting consultation in the conduct in the South China Sea,” he said.

Asean and China have long been working on a binding code of conduct to address numerous issues faced by states claiming parts of the South China Sea. However, only a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea was finalised and signed in 2002.

The declaration reaffirms the parties’ commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws on state-to-state relations. It also says that Asean states and China should resolve disputes “by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations”.

Prayut said his government would support Singapore when it takes over the task of country coordinator this year.

In his speech, Aquino congratulated Thailand for its success in facilitating Asean-China relations. “Thailand has truly been a reliable companion of the Philippines in promoting understanding, peace, and stability,” Aquino said.