Manila, Beijing set Spratlys conduct code

Manila, Beijing set Spratlys conduct code

MANILA (UPI): The Philippines and China announced yesterday
they have set principles for a future code of conduct in the
disputed Spratly Islands to avoid more tension over their
competing claims in the South China sea chain.

In a joint statement issued one day after a meeting on the
issue, both countries vowed to maintain peace and stability by
not resorting to "force or threat of force" to further their
claims.

They also agreed to settle their dispute using the principles
of international law, including the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea, particularly to maintain freedom of
navigation in what is a major shipping route.

"The two sides recognize that the continued prosperity of
their economies depends upon the peace and stability of the
region," the statement said. "They reaffirm their commitment to
regional peace, stability and cooperation."

While their dispute remains unresolved, Manila and Beijing
agreed on bilateral, "and eventually multilateral" projects in
the Spratlys such as protection of natural resources, safety of
navigation, prevention of piracy and fisheries cooperation.

"In the spirit of expanding common ground and narrowing
differences, a gradual and progressive process of cooperation
shall be adopted with a view to eventually negotiating a
settlement of the bilateral disputes," the statement said.

Notably absent in the areas of cooperation is a possible
multilateral exploration of what is believed to be the Spratly's
rich reserves of oil and natural gas.

China remains averse to the idea, maintaining it would only
conduct exploration on a bilateral basis. Although it has
conducted explorations of its own, China has protested similar
moves by Vietnam and the Philippines.

China, Vietnam and Taiwan claim all of the Spratlys, while the
Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of it.

Philippine officials said China's concurrence with the Unclos
provisions was a major step in easing tension over the issue.
China previously insisted that negotiations over the Spratlys
should be based solely on its historical claims.

The Unclos, implemented in 1994, gives each ratifying state a
200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone around its land border. Manila
has invoked the Unclos in protesting China's occupation of a reef
early this year in an area of the Spratlys that lies about 155
miles off its western coast.

The occupation sparked a row between the two countries.
Officials said the issues was "discussed frankly" during the two-
day meeting but was not resolved.