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Manila, Philippines - Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the favorable decision of the international arbitral tribunal on the arbitration case against China.
He called on concerned parties to exercise “restrained and sobriety” while the Philippine lawyers are studying the award “with care and thoroughness.”“The Philippines strongly affirms its respects for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea. The decision upholds international law, particularly 1982 Unclos,” he said in a press briefing.
The chief diplomat said the Philippines will reiterate its commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes “with a view of promoting and enhancing peace and stability in the region.”
Respect the ruling – US
US State Department Counselor Kristie Kenney urged both the Philippines and China to respect the tribunal ruling to move on from the longstanding sea row.
“We hope that everyone will show restraint and use [the ruling] as the basis to move forward to resolve these complicated competing claims in a way that’s diplomatic and very positive resolutions,” he told reporters shortly after her so-called “diplomatic meeting” with Yasay in Manila.
She said she respects whatever strategy the Duterte administration may take in resolving the dispute.
“The Philippines is a sovereign nation and it will obviously make decisions,” she said. “It’s very important for all countries to have a lot of friends.”
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