Cuenco: AIPA mulls joint exploration

CEBU, Philippines - Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly secretary general Antonio Cuenco is pushing for a “joint exploration and exploitation of natural resources” in the disputed West Philippine Sea or popularly known as the Spratly Islands.

Cuenco said that AIPA members agreed to bond together to counter the force of China, one of the claimants of the islands, and to negotiate for a joint exploration and exploitation.

“Nganong mag-away man ta sa ownership niini nga dili man gyud ta magka-uyon. Each one will claim ownership, unya there is no entity that can resolve the issue regarding the ownership. Instead, maghimo ta og agreement to explore and exploit the resources therein and share the bounties there, magbahin unya ta sa ganansiya nga ato makuha,” Cuenco said.

A seismological survey conducted years ago found that the area is rich in natural resources.

Cuenco said that a resolution is now under discussion with AIPA especially the Philippines, Brunei Darrussalam, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan who have claims on the area.

He said that once the South East Asian countries who are members of AIPA could reach an agreement, they will have a strong bargaining position with China.

“The issue of ownership and sovereignty can not be resolved not for a thousand years,” Cuenco said.

Cuenco said that Chinese government won’t agree to have the matter settled in the United Nation General Assembly or in the International Court of Justice.

China reportedly did not want to deal with a group but on one-on-one basis like the Philippines and their country.

“We are trying to do our best in the AIPA to bond together in order that we can negotiate and reach fair agreement with the People’s Republic of China for the exploitation of the natural resources found therein,” Cuenco added.

Consistent to its proposal since 1985, the Chinese government reportedly renewed its call for a joint exploration of the disputed West Philippine Sea, including the Spratly Islands.

The Chinese government believes joint exploration is the best way for claimant countries to have the opportunity of cooperation and staying away from any kind of conflict.

President Benigno Aquino III agreed with Chinese President Hu Jintao during their bilateral meeting to make the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea an area of “friendship and cooperation.”

Aquino and Hu, however, did not discuss specific mechanisms on how to resolve the territorial dispute during their meeting. — (FREEMAN)