India has role in ensuring China follows South China Sea ruling: Albert del Rosario

Albert del Rosario, who scripted the Philippines' victory over China at The Hague, tells TOI's Sachin Parashar in an interview about India's role in ensuring Beijing follows the rule of law in the region. Excerpts:

What are the likely wider implications of this ruling, which has resulted in a stunning victory for the Philippines, for the region?

For one, with the Tribunal's rulings, it is not only the Philippines which will have been put in a better place but also Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam will stand to benefit. By these rulings, these above countries may have improved their positions in settling their disputes with China. With clarification of maritime entitlements, it may , moreover, be easier to bring together relevant countries in a multilateral setting. And the hope is that this can be made to happen.

Do you fear a backlash from China which could even see Beijing imposing an ADIZ over S China Sea?

The Philippines, along with many responsible nations, are trying to convince China to respect the Award. China can do much to help promote peace and stability in our region and indeed the world. China is an emerging world power. To gain respect of other nations, however, it must work on adhering to the rule of law. This can be considered as China's moment to gain the respect of the world. Declaring an ADIZ will only raise tension directly attributable to China's refusal to respect the rule of law, which no one wants. The international community , including India, will have a role to play in this regard.

India has said in its reaction that it wants all parties to show utmost respect for UNCLOS. Is that satisfactory to you?

I appreciate New Delhi's posi tion in support of the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes under UNCLOS. It is important for India and all responsible nations to express their views as this is not a matter just between the Philippines and China. The Award is a most significant step in reinforcing the rule of law in the peaceful settlement of disputes. This is a strong message the world has to hear.

Do you think the ruling yesterday should embolden India to further intensify its naval cooperation with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam?

I think it would be strongly I think it would be strongly constructive for like-minded countries to find ways to effectively work together in fostering peace, prosperity and stability for all.

Chinese media calls US, Japan `eunuchs'

Branding the US and Japan as “paper tigers“ and “eunuchs,“ China's state media on Thursday said that the military should remain ready for “counter attack“ if American warships hold exercises near islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea to enforce the UN-backed tribunal's verdict. An editorial titled `Blustering US a paper tiger in S China Sea' in the state-run Global Times said that the US has voiced the strongest support for the verdict against China. “More politicians and congressmen from the House and Senate have also made fiercer remarks, demanding regular challenges to China's excessive maritime claims through naval and air patrols. Japan's stance is precisely the same as that of the US,“ it said. “An old Chinese saying goes `the emperor doesn't worry but his eunuch does,' meaning the outsider is more anxious than the player. In this case, Washington and Tokyo are the worrying eunuchs,“ the tabloid said.