The Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) called on the UN’s Security Council to stop the massive reclamation in the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea, activities she described as a “direct threat” to the security of the Philippines and other claimant countries and the overall peace and stability in the region.
Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate attended by several foreign ministers of Security Council members including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ambassador Irene Susan Natividad said “the massive reclamation that is causing widespread destruction of the region’s biodiversity will also irreparably damage the entire ecological balance in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
“Such irreversible damage will have long-term effects on all the peoples across geopolitical boundaries who have depended on the sea for their livelihood for generations,” Ambassador Natividad added.
It has been confirmed that China has a number of reclamation projects underway in sensitive areas in the South China Sea where sovereignty is contested by the Philippines and other Asian countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
China has undertaken massive land reclamation activities in Johnson Reef, McKennan and Hughes Reef, Cuarteron Reef and Gaven Reef in South China Sea in the last two years.
Last month, the Philippines handed a protest note to the Chinese Embassy in Manila in connection with reclamation activities being undertaken by China at Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.
HARASSMENT AT SEA
Panganiban Reef is a low-tide elevation located 250 kilometers west of the coast of Palawan which puts it inside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines and on its continental shelf. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), the Philippines stressed that it has exclusive right to authorize construction of artificial islands, installations or other structures in the vicinity of Panganiban Reef.
Ambassador Natividad also told the UN Security Council about a recent incident involving Chinese and Filipino vessels at the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal/Panatag Shoal), a territory over which the Philippines exercise territorial sovereignty, jurisdiction, and effective administration and which China also claims as its own.
Based on a report by the Philippine Coast Guard, three Philippine-flagged fishing vessels were intentionally rammed by Chinese Coast Guard Vessel 3412 in Bajo de Masinloc last January, endangering the lives and safety of the Filipino fishermen on board.
Natividad said that it is equally incumbent upon the international community to ensure the safety of those “who have been peacefully, sustainably, and legitimately pursuing their livelihood” in the contested areas.
“Those whose actions endanger the lives of these people and those who do not heed the call for restraint are not being true to the cause of peace,” she declared.
COMMITMENT TO PEACE
Natividad further told the UN that the Philippines’ recourse to settle the dispute in the West Philippine Sea is a testament to the country’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.
“The Philippines has resorted to the rule of law in trying to resolve these tensions and believes that the core instrument for resolving maritime disputes is the UNCLOS,” she said.
Natividad added that the Philippines has apprised the international community of its position on and developments in the peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea as it is an issue of global concern.
“The Philippines has resorted to arbitration to clarify maritime entitlements and settle maritime disputes peacefully through UNCLOS. Arbitration is fully entrenched in Chapter VI, Article 33 of the UN Charter on the pacific settlement of disputes,” she expounded.
Ambassador Natividad further reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to promote global peace and security by resolving conflicts at home and in the region.
“The Philippines believes that the promotion of global peace primarily starts at home,” she declared. “The international community has witnessed our unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to bring and build peace in Southern Philippines… we are facing an equally challenging task of resolving tensions in our regional seas.”
The UN Security Council Open Debate was convened by China, in its capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of February. It is one of the many meetings and events planned for 2015 when the UN celebrates the 70th year of its establishment.
The Security Council is the UN body primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.
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