US President Barack Obama on Monday weighed in on territorial disputes in the South China Sea, urging regional powers, particularly China, to respect the law and stop "throwing elbows." As several Asian regional powers face off over maritime borders, Obama warned about disregard for existing laws and a move away from established ways of resolving disputes. The United States does not hold any territorial claims in the South China Sea, Obama added. But as a "Pacific power" Washington has vocally called on China and other nations to end reclamation.

Valente, C. (2015, June 3). Obama warns China: Don't 'throw elbows'. Manila Times, pp. A1, A8.