25 March 2004 – Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael E. Seguis said that there has been no official
 confirmation of any decision by the government of Vietnam to bring tourists to parts of the South China
 Sea that are the subject of disputes.

 “Contrary to media reports, we have not received any official confirmation of any decision to bring
 tourists to the disputed areas of the South China Sea.  We are in close touch with our Embassy in Hanoi on
 this matter,” the Acting Secretary said.  He added that he believed that all the parties who subscribed
 to the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea will continue to abide by its letter and its spirit.

 “I have no doubt about the sincerity of all the parties involved in ensuring that cooperation, and not
 conflict, will characterize how we will address the issue of the conflicting claims in the South China
 Sea,” the Acting Secretary said.

 The Acting Secretary said that he preferred to emphasize that the Philippines and Vietnam have been
 actively pursuing cooperative efforts in the area of marine scientific research in the South China Sea. “We
 have worked over the years with Vietnam to build greater trust and confidence in the South China Sea.
 We have been working with them on specific projects that not only benefit the natural environment of the
 South China Sea but also provides an excellent model for cooperation,” the Acting Secretary said.

 Acting Secretary Seguis noted that some media reports pointed out that plans to bring tourists to the South
 China Sea involve areas that are not subject to conflicting claims.

 He declined to speculate on the possible actions the Philippines might take if it is confirmed that Vietnam
 will send tourists to the disputed areas in the South China Sea, saying that “we will continue to monitor
 developments on this issue and will, of course, act appropriately,” he said. END.