LABIS na ikinalugod ng Pilipinas ang ginawang pagbasura ng Group of Seven’s (G7) sa “baseless and expansive” na pag-angkin ng Tsina sa South China Sea (SCS), at maging sa mapanganib na pagmamaniobra laban sa mga Filipino vessel sa maritime territory ng Pilipinas.
Sa isang kalatas, winelcome ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ang commitment ng G7 sa ‘rule of law at rules-based maritime order na naka-angkla sa1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), at maging sa commitment na ‘sustainable at inclusive economic development’ sa Indo-Pacific.
Ang G7 ay binubuo ng Canada, France, Estados Uidos, Germany, Italy, Japan, at United Kingdom, at kumakatawan sa nangungunang industrialized democracies sa buong mundo.
Ang Pilipinas ayon sa DFA, ay committed sa UNCLOS at sa binding Arbitral Award of 2016, sabay sabing ang paggalang at pagsunod sa international law at freedom of navigation ay mahalaga para masiguro ang “global prosperity, peace at stability.”
“As such, we appreciate the G7’s support in rejecting China’s baseless and expansive claims, and their call for China to cease its illegal activities, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea that engage in dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels,” ayon sa DFA.
“We duly note and appreciate the G7’s reaffirmation that the 2016 Arbitral Award is a significant milestone and a useful basis for the peaceful management and resolution of differences at sea,” ang naging pahayag ng departamento.
Noong nakaraang Biyernes, nagpalabas ang G7 ng communiqué na hayagang kinokontra ang mapanganib na paggamit ng Tsina sa coast guard at maritime militia para igiit ang pag-angkin sa SCS.
Samantala, sinabi ng DFA na ibinahagi ng Pilipinas ang “vision of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and stands firm against any actions that undermine international security and stability” ng G7.
“We want to see a South China Sea of peace, stability and prosperity, and the cessation of interference, obstruction and harassment of the Philippines’ legal activities within our recognized maritime entitlements,” ang sinabi ng departamento.
Gayundin, sinabi ng DFA na bukas ang Pilipinas na makipagtulungan sa G7 para mapagtagumpayan nito ang economic initiatives para sa rehiyon.
“We stand ready to cooperate with the G7 in its efforts to support economic growth in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific,” anito pa rin.- Kris Jose
