Topic: Security Cooperation in East Asia
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Abby Vander Vliet
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Philippines position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
During the Cold War, East Asian countries split into two polarizing views, those who supported and those who opposed communism. Opposing communism, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines formed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967, however, this association was preceded by the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) which was founded in 1961. With the mission of promoting political and economic cooperation and regional stability. Today, East Asia is the only region left with a Cold War legacy causing tension between Communist and Democratic nations. However, in recent years the situation of the Korean peninsula strains regional security and longstanding territorial, ethnic, religious, and historical feuds linger and create tension within the region.
The achievements in East Asia are attributed to the generally peaceful and stable environment in the past decades, which should be cherished by all. However, in recent years, territorial and maritime disputes among some East Asian countries have damaged political trust between nations concerned and affected by regional cooperation. Faced with these problems, countries in the region must never return to the Cold War mentality. While the main nations involved in East Asia include China, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea, the United States is also involved by being a member of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). In theory, the East Asia cooperation is a matter for East Asian countries. But the attitude of the United States, positive or negative, affects the process. Because the United States has a military arrangement with the Philippines and currently have strategic positioning, we urge the United States to avoid confrontation and to find peace through negotiations. States are increasing their nuclear weapons arsenals and developing new technologies have not lived up to their commitments and their obligations under international law. Because of this, it is imperative to realize the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Total elimination is the only guarantee that nuclear weapons will not be used or threatened to be used.
The Philippines believe that the sovereignty of all nations should be respected and urges measures be put in place to ensure that autonomy be preserved. Avoiding conflict with other nations, the Philippines would like the UN to place restrictions and retributions on member states who do not respect the sovereignty of others. To define what imposes on sovereignty we would like to determine a clear definition and in order to let nation's resolve issues in a way that respects their sovereignty we ask that the West not impose on international East Asian conflict. In order to maintain a safe world, we urge all nations to respect the sovereignty of others and not escalate tensions. We propose resolving differences peacefully through dialogue and negotiations in order to deepen regional cooperation. The Philippines propose a legally binding instrument that will prohibit possessing, testing, using, producing, manufacturing, developing, stockpiling, transferring of nuclear weapons, and assisting and encouraging in any form to anyone, in particular non-state actors. However, this should not infringe on the inalienable right of states to peacefully use nuclear energy. In the future we would like to establish a body to oversee this process.
