China insistent, Philippines cautious after ruling

Twelve days have passed since the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and China remains insistent that the arbitral tribunal's decision is not legally binding and is null and void.

Philippines remained vigilant as they celebrated the favorable ruling of the arbitral tribunal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay

”Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay said.

The DFA secretary's statement was followed by other lawmakers.

Davao representative Karlo Alexei Nograles said, “Indeed, the UN's affirmation of our claim on contested territories in the West Philippine Sea is something that we should be happy about, but the government needs to be circumspect and tread very gently on this issue so that China will not shut her doors for continuing diplomatic dialogue to resolve the issue.”

”Let us practice restraint. We should not be proud and cocky. I would suggest that we still continue the tack of diplomacy and cooperation with China,” Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Wednesday, July 13.

Zambales Governor Amor Deloso cautioned the 3,000 fishermen in his province despite the favorable ruling at The Hague. He said that while the ruling is a historic victory for the Philippines, it may also escalate the tension in the area and may backfire on the fishermen who have been repeatedly harassed by Chinese coast guards patrolling Scarborough Shoal.

Zambales location

With the vulnerability of Zambales' location, it is the easiest target on the possibility of hostility. Thus, the provincial government worked to ensure the provision of jobs and other alternative livelihood for the fishermen.

The Duterte Administration expressed its pursuit of diplomatic negotiations as the newly elected president asked Fidel V. Ramos, 12th president of the Republic of the Philippines, to go to China. The former president however is reluctant as his age and health pulls him away from his willingness to aid Rodrigo Duterte.

Former president Benigno Aquino III believes that the ruling should be viewed as a victory for all and not just for the country. “These conflicts have come about, primarily because of the differing opinions on each country’s rights and obligations.” he said.

“To this end, I would ask our countrymen and all people of goodwill to read the Press Release and Summary issued by the Tribunal, to gain a full understanding of the issues involved.” he added.

Meanwhile, Asean will not be issuing a statement on the ruling due to lack of consensus between member states.

Mainland China on the other hand resumes its insistence, saying that the ruling is politically motivated.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (PRC) released a statement, retorting, "China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards. China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards."

China's consistent statements point out that the nature of the unilateral decision of the Philippines to seek arbitration is of territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation. They believe that UNCLOS was breached when their right to choose the procedures and means for dispute settlement was not exercised. The Ministry reaffirmed that bilateral negotiations must be pursued to settle issues.

Additionally, the Chinese Government said it is ready to enter "provisional arrangements of a practical nature, including joint development in relevant maritime areas."

Yinchuan

Before the tribunal's award on July 12, China’s fourth 054D-type guided-missile destroyer Yinchuan joined the Hainan-based (southernmost province of PRC) South Sea Fleet. Three other destroyers followed suit namely the Hefei, the Kunming, and the Changsha. 054D destroyers are equipped with a long-range variant of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile with a range of 80 nautical miles (148.16 kilometers).

“More advanced weapons will show up in the South China Sea after the tribunal’s rulings,” Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said. 

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