Alarm over growing threat to Asia-Pacific sea lanes, Philippines official says

Manila _ Aside from sovereignty concerns, Philippine Department of Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said other countries should be alarmed at the growing threat to Asia-Pacific sea lanes.

Speaking before members of the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines on Wednesday, Del Rosario said that the passage of commerce and non-commercial navigation in the region's sea lanes are under threat from China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.

"Your government (Philippines) had no choice except to take a stand to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights. At the same time, since the West Philippine Sea is a main thoroughfare for international trade with as many as 50,000 ships traversing the area annually, it is our belief that other nations should be concerned over the potential threats to freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce," he told businessmen who had gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City.

The sealanes above China are vital to the movement of goods to the region. Any action aimed at constricting the flow of shipping could have disastrous consequences for world trade.

The Philippines had long been locked in dispute with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, this row further intensified in recent months as Beijing reiterated its claim over Scarborough Shoal, a rocky outcrop jutting out of the middle of the disputed territory that is also believed to be rich in marine resources as well as oil and natural gas reserves.

It is located some 120 nautical miles from Zambales Province.