PHL to pursue peaceful means to resolve sea row with China

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): PHL to pursue peaceful means to resolve sea row with China

Assistant Secretary Charles Jose of the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press briefing on Friday at the International Media Center (IMC) here that the Philippines would pursue peaceful means to resolve China’s overlapping claims over the South China Sea.

“China’s action is expansive and has no basis of international law. Hence, the Philippines has resorted to arbitration to find enduring solution to the problem,” Jose explained in response to a question raised by a foreign media delegate.

China is said to have claimed almost the entire resource-rich sea that straddles Southeast Asia.

Hundreds of foreign media delegates from the 21 APEC member-economies are now covering the country’s hosting of the 27th APEC leaders’ summit this week.

President Michelle Bachelet of Chile arrived here yesterday for a state visit and the APEC meeting.

Prime Minister Peter O’ Neill of Papua New Guinea, Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos and officials from Chinese Taipei and Hongkong are also arriving today.

Colombia joins the APEC summit as an observer, as she is not yet a regular member.

This year’s APEC meeting is anchored on the theme, “Building inclusive economies, Building a better world.” 

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431447623063/phl-to-pursue-peaceful-means-to-resolve-sea-row-with-china