MANILA — The Philippines has decided to take its triple action plan (TAP) for the resolution of the maritime dispute in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to gain international support.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario rallied member-states during the General Debate of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly to support the TAP to address the escalating tensions while peacefully resolving the sea row.
TAP is comprised of three approaches that can be pursued simultaneously. The immediate approach calls for a cessation of specific activities that escalate tensions such as massive reclamation.
The intermediate approach calls for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Asean-China Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and the expeditious conclusion of the Code of Conduct.
The final approach underscores the need for a settlement mechanism that would bring disputes to a final and enduring resolution anchored on international law.