Despite China’s call for a peaceful dialogue to resolve the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the Philippines will continue to push for the legally binding Code of Conduct on the South China Sea between the Asean and China. Foreign Affairs Secretary Charles Jose said on Tuesday that it has already given its position to call on China to respect the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal which is expected to be released early this year.

Barcelo, V. (2016, March 2). PH insists on sea code, China calls for dialog. Manila Standard, p. A5.