ASEAN, AUSTRALIA AIM TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In a rare display of solidarity, Southeast Asian and Australian leaders on Wednesday (06 March 2024) called on all countries to avoid any action that will “endanger peace” in the West Philippine Sea in the wake of the latest tension between the Philippines and China.

This developed as China accused the United States of using the Philippines as a “pawn” in the South China Sea.

“China urges the United States not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea,” China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

However, Southeast Asian and Australian leaders warned against actions that “endanger peace” in the South China Sea.

In their joint declaration, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and Australia said: “We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region.

“We recognize the benefits of having the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement further said.

(el Amigo/MNM)