Cambodian deputy PM encourages parties directly concerned to settle South China Sea disputes through negotiations

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong has encouraged the parties directly concerned in the South China Sea issues to resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations.

"Sovereignty claims are always resolved bilaterally by parties directly concerned, and if want to bring the dispute to court, only if both countries agree to go together," he said during an exclusive interview with a popular Bayon TV channel on Tuesday evening.

He said he hoped that all countries directly concerned will continue negotiations for a peaceful solution.

He said despite absolute objection from China, the former Philippine government unilaterally initiated the South China Sea arbitration against China in 2013.

The Philippines initiated the compulsory arbitration without informing or consulting with ASEAN, he said. "Therefore, I think that the dispute between the Philippines and China is a bilateral issue, not related with the ASEAN."

Hor Namhong, who is the ex-foreign minister, said Cambodia and ASEAN urged all parties concerned in the disputes to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) towards the early adoption of an effective Code of Conduct (COC).

Meanwhile, he called on powerful countries outside the region to cease their interference on the South China Sea issue, saying that their action could lead to an arms race in the region.

Hor Namhong also denied accusations by some countries that Cambodia sided with China on the South China Sea issue.

"This is unjust for Cambodia," he said. "For the South China Sea issue, Cambodia, as a non-claimant state in the dispute, does not side with China or claimant states in ASEAN, but the country wants all parties to fully comply with the DOC." Endit