The Philippines on Sunday said maritime disputes in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) have evolved into an “environmental issue.” During the annual meeting of states that are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), it pointed out that China’s expansionist policy claiming almost all of the South China Sea should concern the international community as a whole. The ambassador pointed to a dispute settlement mechanism under Unclos and explained that China’s massive ocean-filling activities are meant to change the status quo ahead of a ruling by the arbitral tribunal constituted to hear the Philippines’ case impugning China’s so-called nine-dash line.

Bauzon, B. C. (2015, June 15). Sea rows turning into 'environmental' issue. Manila Bulletin, p. A4.