Manila, Philippines — Germany and the Philippines agreed on Sunday to quickly finalize a defense pact that would allow joint military training and possible sales of German weapons to address security threats, including China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea, which Manila’s defense chief said was “the only cause of tensions” and conflicts in the disputed waters.
China has long claimed much of the entire sea lane, a key route for global trade and security, and promised to defend its territorial interests whatever it takes.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the proposed Defense Cooperation Agreement that he and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed in talks in the capital Manila could be concluded as early as this year, given current concerns from security. Both stressed the need for countries to boost diplomatic efforts under the UN Charter to achieve a “just and lasting peace” from Ukraine to the hotspots of Asia.
Without mentioning China by name, both defense chiefs expressed in a joint statement their firm opposition to “any unilateral attempts to advance expansive claims, especially through force or coercion.” They also “reaffirmed their firm commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight and other peaceful uses of the seas consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
The Philippines and its long-time ally the United States and other Western countries have frequently accused China of undermining those international principles with Beijing’s increasingly hostile actions, including the use of powerful water cannons, military grade laser and lock and other dangerous maneuvers against Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has taken steps to expand security alliances with friendly Asian and Western governments.
Beijing has accused Washington of inciting trouble and threatening stability in the region by pushing to deploy US forces, warships and aircraft and working with countries like the Philippines to try to contain China’s rise.
Responding to a question at a news conference with Pistorius, Teodoro said: “There is only one cause of conflict in the South China Sea… It is China’s illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most, if not all , from the South China Sea. like its internal waters.”
“That is the only cause of the tensions,” he added.
“The Philippines is not provoking China. We do not seek war, however, we are mandated not only by our constitution but also by the obligation to our countrymen to protect any area, be it jurisdiction or rights that rightfully belong to the exclusive benefit of the Filipinos.” Theodore said.
Pistorius underlined Germany’s support for a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea on historical grounds. The decision was based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“This sentence remains valid without any exemption,” Pistorius said. “We need to do more than defend UNCLOS. We need to contribute to the reduction of tension. This is only possible if we keep all channels of communication open, including those with China.” .”
After an alarmingly violent clash on June 17 at the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea between Chinese forces, who were armed with knives, axes and improvised spears, and Philippine navy personnel, China and the Philippines reached a temporary agreement last year. month to avoid new clashes that could trigger a major armed conflict on the hotly contested atoll.
A week after the deal was struck, Philippine government personnel transported food and other supplies to Manila’s territorial outpost on the sandbar, which has been closely guarded by Chinese coast guard and navy ships, and no clashes were reported.
However, long-standing territorial conflicts between neighboring Asian countries, also involving Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei and Taiwan, have continued along with a vitriolic war of words that has sparked disputes.
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Associated Press writer Joeal Calupitan contributed to this report.
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