| James Kon |
THE People’s Republic of China is working with Asean member countries on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea which was signed in 2002.
The decision to implement the DOC was mentioned by Yang Jian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, in her speech at the ceremony to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) which was held at Radisson Hotel yesterday.
Article 4 of the DOC, which was signed by China and Asean member countries, states that, “the Parties concerned undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the ambassador said.
Present as guest of honour at the event was First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence, along with his spouse.
Also in attendance were Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) as well as foreign dignitaries and prominent figures of the Chinese community including officials from various government agencies.
First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence, and spouse exchanging souvenirs with Yang Jian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam. – JAMES KON
The ambassador highlighted that foreign ministers of China and Asean member countries issued a joint statement in Vientiane, Lao PDR on Monday, on the full and effective implementation of the DOC and reaffirmed their efforts to “promote peace, stability, mutual trust and confidence” in the South China Sea. “It is China’s consistent position to resolve disputes peacefully through consultations and negotiations. This position will not change.”
Touching on the defence cooperation between China and Brunei, the Chinese Ambassador said, “Defence cooperation between China and Brunei has been expanding and deepening throughout the years. In 2015, the Ministry of Defence of Brunei sent a high-level delegation to participate in the 6th Xiangshan Forum in China, and the PLA delegation came to Brunei to attend the 44th Pacific Area Senior Officers Logistics Seminar (PASOLS). Exchange of visits, personnel training, and multilateral military exercises have helped the two sides to increase mutual understanding. I am confident that with the joint efforts of the two sides, the bilateral military relationship will be brought to a new height.”
On the latest development in the PLA, she said, “The PLA of China is currently undergoing a holistic transformation, including the reduction of 300,000 in troop numbers. The task of the reform is to make breakthroughs before 2020 in military administration and joint operational command, to optimise the military structure, to enhance policy system and civilian-military integration, and to build a modern military with Chinese characteristics.”
“The PLA will firmly protect China’s national sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and safeguard the interests of national development and the interests of the Chinese people. China’s national defence policy, which is defensive in nature, remains unchanged,” she added.
One of the highlights of yesterday celebration was the cutting of the cake to mark the 89th anniversary of the founding of the PLA by the Deputy Minister of Defence and spouse along with the Chinese Ambassador and the Commander of RBAF.
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