By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter
THE PHILIPPINES should seize the opportunity to raise its concerns over Chinese actions in the South China Sea during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York later this month, analysts said, as Beijing presses ahead with measures that undermine Manila’s claims in the contested waters.
“The Philippines, through the President, may rally support in line with his participation in the United Nations General Assembly later this month,” Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy instructor at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will not attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week since he plans to focus on local issues, the Palace said on Monday.
“The President has delegated his engagements at the UN General Assembly to the secretary of Foreign Affairs to allow him to focus on local issues,” Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez told reporters in a Viber chat.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said it is studying the possibility of filing a resolution at the assembly that would tackle Chinese activities in the South China Sea.
“This attendance may also serve as an avenue for the President to highlight the importance of adhering to international norms and standards, as well as to international agreements and covenants,” Mr. Cortez added.
Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, said Manila should ensure its position is framed as independent and not merely extensions of US policy.
“The only real possible concern is if our position will be accepted specifically as our own standing, or will we continue to suffer with the American association,” he said.
Relations between Manila and Beijing have been strained in recent years due to frequent confrontations in the South China Sea, where China has expanded its presence despite a 2016 arbitral ruling by a UN-backed tribunal that voided its sweeping claims. Beijing has ignored the decision.
Mr. Cortez said Mr. Marcos’ absence in the assembly would not affect Manila’s campaign for a nonpermanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC).
He noted that Mr. Manalo, the Philippine ambassador to the UN, is “articulate enough” to represent Manila’s interests in the UN.
“With a blueprint at hand — particularly on how we will be highlighting our campaign for a UNSC seat — the Philippine delegation is already equipped with the pertinent skills needed during the high-level week,” he added.
Lucio B. Pitlo III, a research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, said the Philippines should also use the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings to raise its concerns, especially as the Philippines assumes the chairmanship of the bloc next year.
The Philippines will host ASEAN’s annual summit a year earlier than scheduled, after Myanmar gave up its turn due to political unrest. Manila is expected to put the South China Sea disputes high on the agenda.
Analysts warned that China’s latest move to establish a “nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal could erode Manila’s position. Beijing recently approved the creation of the marine reserve, which will cover more than 3,500 hectares of coral reefs.
“This latest development of China converting the shoal to a marine sanctuary will further undercut the Philippines’ position,” Mr. Pitlo said. “China will use the environmental card to buttress its claim, leveraging its on-the-ground control since 2012.”
The DFA said at the weekend the Philippines had lodged a diplomatic protest against Beijing’s plans at Scarborough Shoal, known locally as Bajo de Masinloc.
Mr. Cortez said the Philippines should also push discussions through the bilateral consultation mechanism with China, created in 2017 to manage sea disputes.
“It may serve as a platform where our two countries can fully discuss China’s proposition, and for us to directly remind them that such move may be considered a violation of our territorial integrity,” he said.
Envoys last met under the mechanism in January. — with Chloe Mari A. Hufana
