Manila Sees ASEAN As 'Optimal' Venue To Settle South China Sea Disputes - Undersecretary

Manila views the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) as a "very optimal" international platform for the conflict settlement in the dispute-ridden South China Sea, the Philippine defense undersecretary, Cardozo M. Luna, told Sputnik in an interview

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th April, 2019) Manila views the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) as a "very optimal" international platform for the conflict settlement in the dispute-ridden South China Sea, the Philippine defense undersecretary, Cardozo M. Luna, told Sputnik in an interview.

"ASEAN is very optimal on that. We are one and we are cooperating closely with one another to be able to come into a code of conduct with China with regards to the West Philippine Sea [the name for the disputed South China Sea in Philippine official government use] and South China Sea," Cardozo Luna said.

He noted that the Philippines had been the most active nation in dealing with China on the matter, reiterating that Manila saw the latter's military presence in the disputed areas as a security threat.

"They are building military bases there. And there is information that they have established missile capability there. But we believe those missiles are not intended for us. Because we are not their enemy," he, however, added.

ASEAN nations have been engaged in discussions on a Code of Conduct, aimed at preventing incidents with China in the disputed South China Sea for over two decades.

The Philippines and China, in particular, have long been in dispute over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea a major shipping route and home to fishing grounds that is also potentially rich in gas and oil.