Manila has urged all parties with overlapping claims in the South China Sea (SCS) to adhere to the rule of law and exercise self-restraint. The Spratly Islands in the SCS are claimed in whole by China and in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), made the appeal during the virtual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held on April 7. Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso underscored Manila’s commitment to the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea that is being negotiated between Asean member-states and China.

Tamayo, B. E., & Reyes, D. (2021, April 12). PH calls for restraint in maritime dispute. The Manila Times, p. A8.