After President Duterte appealed to China temper its behavior in the south china sea (SCS) - referring to its warning off Philippine military aircraft flying over disputed islands, both natural and artificial- china immediately responded, saying it has a right to warn off foreign ships and planes that come close to its islands. Our President has long taken the position that while we stand by our rights in the south china sea, especially our sovereign rights to the resources within the 370-kilometer Exclusive Zone (EEZ) around our islands under UN convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS), we will not get involved in a war with the china over our claims.

Finalize the proposed SCS Code of Conduct. (2018, August 20). Manila Bulletin, p. 10.