DFA: ASEAN backs Phl proposal on sea dispute

WELCOMING ASEAN DELEGATES. Premier Christy Clark meets with a delegation of high-ranking government officials representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reaffirm British Columbia’s commitment to develop its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. The meeting came during a full day of events to promote the province’s competitive advantages as part of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Roadshow to Canada. Photo from the Province of British Columbia / Flickr

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are supporting the country’s proposal to address tensions in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is proposing a concrete framework called the Triple Action Plan (TAP) to resolve the tension among claimant countries in the disputed territories.

“Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has taken trips to Vietnam, Brunei and Indonesia precisely to raise this Triple Action Plan. All of these countries have expressed support for the initiative,” said DFA spokesman Charles Jose.

Another delegation also lead by the Foreign Secretary will also be presenting TAP on different ASEAN meetings in Naypyidaw, Myanmar this week.

DFA also added that most of the member countries are one with the Philippines in the call for urgently resolving the territorial conflicts.

“These tensions have strained relations among countries, increased levels of mistrust and heightened the dangers of unintended conflict in the region,” the DFA said in a statement.

“Therefore, in order to immediately do what is right in accordance with law, the international community must take determined actions to reduce tensions as we urgently work to resolve the dispute in the South China Sea,” it added.