Teodoro cites China’s lack of good faith in SCS code of conduct talks

By: - Reporter / @FArgosinoINQ
/ 06:06 PM October 14, 2024

A China Coast Guard ship monitors Philippine fishermen aboard their wooden boats during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024. A Philippine boat convoy bearing supplies for Filipino fishers said they were headed back to port May 16, ditching plans to sail to a Beijing-held reef off the Southeast Asian country after one of their boats was "constantly shadowed" by a Chinese vessel. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

A China Coast Guard ship monitors Philippine fishermen aboard their wooden boats during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024. A Philippine boat convoy bearing supplies for Filipino fishers said they were headed back to port May 16, ditching plans to sail to a Beijing-held reef off the Southeast Asian country after one of their boats was “constantly shadowed” by a Chinese vessel. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that he does not see “good faith” on the part of Beijing in the code of conduct (COC) negotiations amid the tensions in the South China Sea. 

Teodoro made the statement when asked whether or not he thinks China will “align” to the code of conduct negotiations and if he sees good faith in the talks.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Right now, honestly speaking, I do not see that (good faith), and the President also echoed that in saying that we cannot cast a blind eye or turn a blind eye on what is happening in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea,”  Teodoro said in an ambush interview on Monday. 

FEATURED STORIES

“I will not give a thought on whether or not China will align, but let’s scrutinize their actions and what are they putting forward in the discussions on the code of conduct. That I would like to see,” Teodoro added.

“I mean, because if it is a perpetuation of what they have already done, then it’s hard.  We look forward to good faith discussions, and the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] has given the marching order that he looks forward to good faith discussions, and we will comply,” he added.  

Article continues after this advertisement

Last week, Marcos urged the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) at a closed-door session “not to turn a blind eye” to aggressors in the South China Sea.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We call on all Asean member states not to turn a blind eye to the aggressive, coercive, and illegal actions of an external power against an Asean member state,” the text of the President’s speech showed to the media read.

Article continues after this advertisement

“They run counter to one of Asean’s purposes: to unite the region as a bulwark against external threats and conflicts, and ensure that each Asean member state can lead its national existence free from interference, subversion, and coercion. Silence in the face of these violations diminishes Asean,” it added.

Marcos likewise urged Asean states to fast-track the long-overdue COC for resolving maritime conflict in the contested waters.

Article continues after this advertisement

 

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: South China Sea, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.