MANILA: Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro stated on Monday ( October 14 ) that the Philippines doubts China’s intentions to negotiate a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea. However, Manila is looking forward to continuing discussions.
Teodoro said that while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had approved “good-faith debate” with China over the long-delayed script, he doubted Beijing’s honesty.
” Right now, honestly speaking, I do not see that”, Teodoro told reporters.
China’s military in Manila did not respond to a request for comment right away.
After escalating conflict in the proper lake where US$ 3 trillion worth of business runs annually, South Asian officials called on on Sunday for a sharp deal on a code of conduct for the South China Sea based on global laws.
China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The Philippines has complained about Chinese ships ‘ use of ramming, collision, and water cannon tactics to halt resupply and patrol missions in disputed waters.
The maritime code, which could prevent conflict and conflict from occurring, has been on the agenda for years, but negotiations led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have made scant progress.