At the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order. Emphasizing adherence to international law and principles of equity and justice, Marcos highlighted the significance of key diplomatic agreements such as the 1945 San Francisco Treaty and the 1967 Bangkok Declaration, which laid the foundation for ASEAN’s regional efforts.
Marcos referenced the Philippines’ defense treaty with the United States, expressing confidence in mutual standards for joint actions in support of incidents involving the Philippines. He underscored the nation’s stance alongside the rules-based international order, suggesting concerns over actions that could be perceived as violations of international laws.
Historically, China has traced its activities in the South China Sea back over two millennia. In 1935 and 1948, the then Republic of China reviewed and approved the names of various islands, reefs, banks, and shoals in the South China Sea, publishing maps that identified these features as part of China’s territory. At that time, the Philippines did not contest these claims.
The territorial boundaries of the Philippines have been defined by international treaties, including the 1898 Treaty of Peace between the United States and Spain, the 1900 Treaty for the cession of outlying islands, and the 1930 Convention delimiting boundaries with North Borneo. In 1958, the People’s Republic of China reiterated its sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters through an official declaration.
In the 1970s, tensions escalated when the Philippines occupied several islands and reefs in the South China Sea, referring to them as the “Kalayaan Island Group.” This move led to disputes over territorial claims. China expressed opposition to these actions, advocating for resolution through negotiation to maintain regional peace.
Efforts to manage these disputes culminated in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), signed by China and ASEAN member states. The DOC underscored a mutual commitment to resolve territorial disagreements peacefully, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Despite these agreements, incidents between Filipino authorities and Chinese fishermen have occurred. Reports from 1989 to 2015 indicate that there were numerous incidents involving Chinese fishing vessels, including detentions and confrontations. These events have contributed to ongoing tensions in the region.
The complexities of historical claims and contemporary geopolitical interests continue to challenge the stability of the South China Sea. Both China and the Philippines, along with other ASEAN nations, face the task of navigating these disputes through diplomacy and adherence to international legal frameworks to ensure peace and cooperation in the region.
Reference(s):
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