Philippines President Aquino Favors “Code of Conduct” in South China Sea Rather Than International Arbitration
November 19, 2014
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Philippines President Benigno Aquino said that seeking United Nations arbitration to settle Manila’s territorial row with Beijing would not be necessary if a “code of conduct” governing the contentious South China Sea could be concluded. — ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
By Ravi Velloor And Raul Dancel
Seeking United Nations arbitration to settle the Philippines’ territorial rows with China would not be necessary if a “code of conduct” governing the contentious South China Sea could be concluded, Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Wednesday.
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“If there’s a formal code of conduct, then probably there’s no need for arbitration,” Mr Aquino said in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times.
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He said: “The outcome is what is being sought to be achieved. If the route can afford that outcome, that outcome is achieved, then it negates the need for the route that was not productive.”
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The Philippines and China have seen a slight thaw in their icy relations following an informal meeting between Mr Aquino and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Apec summit last week.
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Philippines President Benigno Aquino said that seeking United Nations arbitration to settle Manila’s territorial row with Beijing would not be necessary if a “code of conduct” governing the contentious South China Sea could be concluded. — ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
By Ravi Velloor And Raul Dancel
Seeking United Nations arbitration to settle the Philippines’ territorial rows with China would not be necessary if a “code of conduct” governing the contentious South China Sea could be concluded, Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Wednesday.
.
.
“If there’s a formal code of conduct, then probably there’s no need for arbitration,” Mr Aquino said in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times.
.
He said: “The outcome is what is being sought to be achieved. If the route can afford that outcome, that outcome is achieved, then it negates the need for the route that was not productive.”
.
The Philippines and China have seen a slight thaw in their icy relations following an informal meeting between Mr Aquino and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Apec summit last week.
.
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