September 1, 2003, The Philippine Star, RP, China to Push Formation of Asian Anti-Terror Alliance, by Paolo Romero,

MANILA , September 1, 2003 (STAR)  - The Philippines and China will form an anti-terror alliance, along with Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia and four former Soviet republics in Central Asia.

"We must establish strong linkages to put an end to terrorism," said Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. after meeting with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

The alliance will also include the Central Asian republics of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, which comprise the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with Russia and China, he added.

De Venecia said it has been established that the Southeast Asia-based Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group has links with al-Qaeda, which operates in Central Asia.

Wu said his talks with De Venecia covered "a lot of issues" on regional security and terrorism.

The two officials said terrorists and weapons are being moved from Central Asia via Russia and China to Southeast Asia.

The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia must forge an agreement on cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, they added.

Last year, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to exchange intelligence information and training programs, and hold joint patrols on their common borders as part of their campaign against terrorism.

Wu arrived in the country on Saturday, along with other Asian parliamentary leaders to take part in the five-day 4th General Assembly of the 38-nation Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace, which starts today.

Also, Wu proposed yesterday joint oil exploration and development in the disputed Spratlys area of the South China Sea in what has been termed a breakthrough in easing tensions in a potential regional flashpoint.

Wu made the proposal during a meeting with congressional leaders, according to de Venecia.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as China and Taiwan claim the Spratly islands, a potentially oil-rich archipelago.

"Mr. Wu proposed a joint exploration and development programme in the Spratlys" beginning with the Philippines and China and covering the other claimants as well, De Venecia told reporters.

He was speaking at a joint media conference with Wu after the meeting, which also agreed to boost counter terrorism cooperation between Southeast Asia, China, Russia and Central Asia.

Wu described the meeting as an "in-depth exchange of views" but did not give details of his joint exploration and development plan.

He stressed however that "peace and stability is the common task facing every country in the world and is the pre-requisite of economic development and welfare of the people.

"Peace and development carries pragmatic significance," Wu added.

De Venecia said that proposed Spratlys joint development "would lead to a diplomatic breakthrough in this area following the important statement of China earlier and the Philippines and the other ASEAN countries to agree on a common code of conduct in the South China Sea."

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last year signed a treaty with China aimed at preventing an escalation of tensions over the Spratlys.

All parties agreed to refrain from activities that would escalate tensions in the region.

The deal involved the four Southeast Asian nations and China, but excludes Taiwan.

Vietnam and China have clashed twice over the Spratlys, in 1988 and 1992, while skirmishes have also occurred between other countries, antagonizing relations while threatening to undermine regional security.

Although it is believed the archipelago sits on top of vast reserves of oil and gas, their commercial potential has never been confirmed. The islands also flank international shipping lanes.

De Venecia said the proposed joint exploration and development program would spur economic development in Southeast Asia.

"These areas are idle and we might as well let them bloom and for joint profit sharing or multiple profit sharing by all," De Venecia said.

Harry Angping, chairman of the trade and industry panel of the Philippine Congress, said it was also agreed Sunday that representatives of a major Chinese oil exploration company be sent to Manila in November to look into joint exploration efforts.

Wu and De Venecia also discussed the possibility of linking anti-terrorism coalitions in Southeast Asia and China, Russia and Central Asia.

Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand have forged a counter-terrorism pact focused on sharing intelligence, resources and personnel to fight terrorism in Southeast Asia.

"Hopefully we can now discuss possible ways of cooperation between the ASEAN powers on the anti-terror front together with China, Russia and new Central Asian republics," De Venecia said.

Wu, who arrived Saturday on a four-day visit to Manila, is also the outgoing president of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace, whose five-day general assembly begins in Manila today. — AFP