JEFFREY EGAMEN DY

CHINA MINISTRY OF DEFENSE ON DISPUTES RESOLUTION IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

This arbitration case was brought by the Republic of the Philippines against the
People’s Republic of China (PRC). The contested area in the South China Sea
includes:
1. The Paracel Islands;
Tthe Spratly Islands; and,
2. Various other areas including the Pratas Islands, the Macclesfield Bank and
the Scarborough Shoal.
An arbitration tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) ruled against the PRC's maritime
claims in Philippines v. China.
This representation recognizes the tribunal but we insist that the matter
should be resolved through bilateral negotiations with other claimants. This is a
significant step in what would be a long journey but the point is at least we can
now sit down and talk. It would be important to understand each other’s views to
resolve dispute peacefully.
The report based on satellite images of islands that China has built in the
Spratlys what appeared to be anti-aircraft guns and what were likely to be close-
in weapons systems (CIWS) to protect against cruise missile strikes and the same
can be interpreted that we are preparing for a future conflict, we, the Ministry of
Defense, would not agree to that. The purpose of which is mainly for civilian use.
They are for defense and self-protection and are legitimate and lawful. In fact, we
are entitled to limited and necessary defensive installations. If someone makes a
show of force at your front door, would you not ready your slingshot? We are
peacefully managing and resolving disputes.
We reiterate that this dispute can be resolved through a bilateral
agreement as to the exploration and co-ownership.