MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ recourse to arbitration to settle disputes in the West Philippine Sea is proof of its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, a diplomat told a Security Council debate convened by China, with whom the country is locked in a bitter row over contested territory.
“The Philippines believes that the promotion of global peace primarily starts at home. The international community has witnessed our unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to bring and build peace in Southern Philippines … we are facing an equally challenging task of resolving tensions in our regional seas,” Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Susan B. Natividad said at the February 23 debate on the theme, “Maintaining International Peace and Security: Reflect on History, Reaffirm the Strong Commitment to the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
Among those who attended the debate was China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“The Philippines has resorted to the rule of law in trying to resolve these tensions and believes that the core instrument for resolving maritime disputes is the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the DFA quoted Natividad as saying.
She added that the Philippines has apprised the international community of its position on and developments in the peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea because it is an issue of global concern.
“The Philippines has resorted to arbitration to clarify maritime entitlements and settle maritime disputes peacefully through UNCLOS. Arbitration is fully entrenched in Chapter VI, Article 33 of the UN Charter on the pacific settlement of disputes,” Natividad stressed.