Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 07 September 2016: More controversies at the summit in Laos

As the summit of East and Southeast Asian nations continues more controversies unfold. Philippines defense ministry has just released images of Chinese boats near the disputed shoal in the South China Sea. It happened only hours before Chinese PM was to meet the representatives of the Southeast Asian countries in Laos. China has never approved of the court ruling in Hague. Before the conference, however, Philippine President, Duterte, stated that he had no intentions to raise the issue at the upcoming meeting. He hoped this would smooth the bilateral relations with China. A recent draft communiqué by the ASEAN states, related to the dispute over the South China Sea, has similarly omitted the arbitration ruling.

In effect Philippine fishermen cannot fish in the South China Sea waters, although the court in Hague ruled that Scarborough was a free fishing space. It is clear that the arbitration is difficult, if not impossible, to enforce due to Chinese pressure. Yet, Philippine Defense Secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, said that the presence of six Chinese vessels in addition to coastguard ships in the area was ‘a cause of grave concern’ and stronger action against China should be considered. Duterte is soon to discuss the issue with the Chiense authorities.