Washington has reiterated Beijing “has no lawful claim” in areas judged by an international arbitral tribunal to be part of Manila’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Visiting Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet issued the statement following the recent maneuverings of the Chinese Coast Guard close to Philippine Coast Guard vessels off Scarborough Shoal. Chollet described the situation in the South China Sea as “ground zero for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific” and “test for international rules-based order.”

US backs PH, says China 'no lawful claim'. (2022, April 1). Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.