Duterte, Mahathir seek peaceful resolution of sea dispute

President Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad have called for a peaceful and rules-based resolution of the South China Sea dispute, recognizing the importance of an effective Code of Conduct to prevent the escalation of conflict.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting in Malacañang Thursday on wide-ranging issues, including enhancing cooperation on security, trade and investment, and peace and development in the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

“They also underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, in efforts to promote maritime security and cooperation, as well as building trust and confidence among concerned Parties,” a joint statement of the leaders read.

“Both Leaders also expressed their government’s hope for an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,” it added.

The two countries are among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries with claims in the South China Sea, considered a vital sea lane for the region. China has sweeping claims in the region that has been protested by claimant nations.

A set of rules governing the conduct in the South China Sea are currently being negotiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to manage the dispute for over two decades.

Apart from the settlement of the maritime row, Duterte and Mahathir have vowed to uphold freedom of navigation in the South China Sea to help keep the peace in the region.

“The Leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea and recognized the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement read.

The two leaders also ruled out the use of force in settling the territorial conflict, citing the need for a resolution in line with international laws.

“Both agreed that territorial and jurisdictional disputes should be settled through peaceful means, by avoiding the threat or use of force, and in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” it added.