A sound launch on the South China Sea
Beijing and Manila begin measured talks on disputed territory, scotching worries that armed conflict was brewing
The much-publicised meeting between representatives of China and the Philippines in Hong Kong recently was a good start to the dialogue they have undertaken on the dispute in the South China Sea. They have been at loggerheads for quite some time over parallel claims to maritime territory known most commonly as the Scarborough Shoal.
Manila decided to take the matter to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. Since the tribunal’s ruling in favour of the Philippines last month, both countries have chosen the right path – calm negotiation. Kudos must go to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte for ordering his foreign ministry to act with restraint and sobriety to ensure that relations with China would not be further damaged. It was a wise diplomatic strategy aimed at promoting stability in the disputed zone.
Duterte picked flamboyant but even-handed former president Fidel Ramos as his special envoy to explore ways to begin an official dialogue with China. Ramos is the right choice – he has good connections in Beijing and the respect of Chinese leaders. That helped explain why his informal meeting with Fu Ying, chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress, was friendly and fruitful.
After their discussion, a joint statement was issued that outlined their decisions. Ramos and Fu agreed on the need for further talks to build trust and confidence and reduce tensions. With such goodwill, it is obvious that negotiations will soon be upgraded to official status. Before long, Ramos will be in Beijing for further discussions.
It is also apparent that, when the two countries are left on their own, unmolested by outside interference, they know exactly what to do and how to engage one another as the whole world watches and waits for the outcome. In Hong Kong, Ramos and Fu weighed various areas of possible joint cooperation designed to increase mutual confidence. The topics included ecological preservation, fisheries, tourism and curbing crime.
Ramos acknowledged afterward that they had in fact not even mentioned the Court of Arbitration ruling or the sovereignty of the disputed Scarborough Shoal. He cannily revealed, however, that one positive result of the session was a proposal to share fishing rights in the conflicted area, a development that, if achieved, would have an immediate effect in improving bilateral ties. Further discussions are needed on this issue, but it is a good sign that the bickering nations are working toward sharing maritime resources.
China and the Philippines must cooperate in this way more to prove to the Association of Southeast Asian nations and the international community at large that they are capable of solving the dispute peacefully and in a respectable manner. Doing so can only benefit Asia as a whole.
China and Asean will next month commemorate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic friendship. Under new leadership, the Philippines has returned to the embrace of Asean and is acting in the interest of the bloc. Any concrete results from its negotiations with Beijing will certainly strengthen Asean-China relations – which is something both sides urgently need.
Named for an East India Company ship that grounded there in 1784, Scarborough Shoal goes by several other names, including Huangyan Island, Panatag Shoal and, interestingly enough, Democracy Reef. Democracy isn’t at play in this discussion, of course, but the measured negotiation process is just as meritorious, and cannot be allowed to run aground.
