SEN. Imee Marcos has proposed joint patrols among claimants in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea — which include the Philippines — to ease tensions in the region.

The senator was asked in a radio interview over the weekend about the need to elevate the territorial dispute to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

"The ones that should conduct joint patrols [in the South China Sea] are the claimants to avoid conflict [in the region]," Marcos said.

Some claimants in the Spratlys, believed to be rich in gas and mineral deposits, are Asean members, such as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The other claimants are China and Taiwan. Beijing claims almost all of the SCS, including the exclusive economic zones of several of the claimants.

"That is possible. I believe in that [proposal]," said Marcos in Filipino on Sunday.

She noted that the proposed Code of Conduct in the SCS has been "pending for decades."

Marcos said "all claimants should sit down and agree what are the non-negotiables."

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in January said Indonesia was ready to work with all Asean member states to finalize the Code of Conduct "as soon as possible."

In December 2023, the Asean foreign ministers expressed concern over recent developments in the South China Sea that "may undermine" peace, security and stability in the region.

The Asean leaders, in a joint statement shared by the Department of Foreign Affairs, said they "closely follow with concern" the recent developments in the SCS.

They did not specify these developments, but Philippine officials have accused the China Coast Guard of harassing Philippine vessels on regular supply missions to Filipino fishermen in the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal and troops in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

China insists that these maritime features are part of its territory, despite a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that found its territorial claims had no basis.

"We recognize the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity," the Asean leaders said.

"We reaffirm our unity and solidarity and our shared commitment to maintaining and further strengthening stability in our maritime sphere to bring about overall peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region," they said.

They reaffirmed the "importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security, stability, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the maritime sphere of Southeast Asia," particularly the SCS.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Saturday the Philippines would continue to "maintain and supply" its outposts in the West Philippine Sea, including the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, as he chided China for suggesting it be notified for access to the feature.

"We reaffirm our commitment to uphold our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal, which is well within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) as recognized by international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award," he said.

In a statement, he labeled the Chinese foreign ministry's call for the Philippines to first notify Beijing for access to Ayungin Shoal as "absurd, nonsense and unacceptable."

"We do not and will never need China's approval for any of our activities therein," he said.

The Chinese MOFA's (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) suggestion came after the China Coast Guard drew flak for its May 19 actions against a Filipino vessel evacuating a sick soldier from the BRP Sierra Madre.

Año said these actions are "barbaric and inhumane" and are not only violations of international maritime laws but also of basic human rights.

"The recent reports of Chinese forces allegedly seizing food and medical supplies meant for our advance post in Ayungin Shoal are equally reprehensible and warrant a thorough investigation and accountability," he said.

Despite such harassment, Manila said it would continue to maintain and supply its outposts in the West Philippine Sea, including the BRP Sierra Madre, "without seeking permission from any other nation."

"Our operations are conducted within our own territorial waters and EEZ, and we will not be deterred by foreign interference or intimidation," Año said.

He said the Philippines remains open to dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve the disputes in the entire South China Sea.

He reminded China, however, that such dialogue must be based on mutual respect and adherence to international law.

"We call on China to respect the arbitral ruling and to cease any actions that escalate tensions or undermine regional stability," he said.

"We thank the international community for their continued support to our efforts toward a rules-based order in this vital maritime region," he added.

In a separate post on X, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for the WPS Commo. Jay Tarriela said China must remember that Ayungin Shoal is located about 105 nautical miles away from the nearest coastline of Palawan.

"Therefore, China does not have any jurisdiction over these waters. The recent incident involving the obstruction of a medical evacuation highlights the inhumane actions of the Chinese government, as they demonstrate a disregard for safety and the preservation of life," he said.

WITH PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

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