MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines on Tuesday ignored China's proposal to have direct consultation, implementation of the non-binding statement on the South China Sea and joint exploration of the contested waters.
“Can we once again re-direct China to the core issue which is its claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea under its nine-dash line position,†Foreign Affairs spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a media briefing.
Related story: China suggests 'win-win' exploration of disputed seas
Hernandez was referring to the Beijing-issued demarcation that claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea, subject of a decades-long feud between the two countries over the resource-rich isles.
China's occupations in the territories prompted Manila to seek arbitration in an international tribunal, but Beijing refused to cooperate in the initiative, insisting on direct talks between the .
"The Philippines has asserted before the arbitral tribunal to which China has been invited but has refused to participate that the nine-dash line claim is expansive, excessive and in gross violation of international law, specifically the UNCLOS. This is the core issue and it behooves China to address it,†Hernandez said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meanwhile, called the region's urgent agenda to craft a binding Code of Conduct in an effort to manage disputes "unrealistic."
Wang said that while China agrees to participate in the accord with Southeast Asian neighbors, there is "no rush" to settle it.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/06/1058961/phillippines-rejects-chinas-claims-ignores-joint-exploration
