Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the South China Sea islands and the process of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states for handling ownership disputes there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20254/16]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20255/16]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of issues regarding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea; if this dispute is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20256/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 162, inclusive, together.

I am aware of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, including those relating to freedom of navigation. The situation in the South China Sea, through which a significant amount of world trade passes each year, is of interest to Ireland, as a small open economy. We therefore closely monitor the ongoing developments in the region. Ireland, together with our EU partners, is committed to maintaining a legal order for the seas and oceans based upon the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This includes the maintenance of freedom of navigation.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, does not take a position on the individual claims in the South China Sea. However, we are concerned at the potential for a dangerous escalation of tensions in the area in question. It is our strong wish to see these disputes resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, and we urge the parties involved to refrain from actions that could lead to increased tensions in the region.

ASEAN and China adopted the Declaration on the Conducts of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in November 2002. After a series of discussions, ASEAN and China adopted the Guidelines to implement the DOC in July 2011. They have committed to a range of principles, which include: building, maintaining and enhancing mutual trust and confidence; exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities; and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Furthermore, the Parties to the DOC agreed to working towards the eventual realisation of a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea (COC), on the basis of consensus. Ireland, together with our EU partners, supports the full implementation of the DOC, and looks forward to a swift conclusion of the talks on a COC, which will further support a rules-based regional and international order.