The Philippine government called on the US government to urgently give more focus to recent developments in the South China Sea and provide substance to its Asia re-balance policy. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario made the appeal at the launch of the US-Philippines Strategic Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. even as President Benigno Aquino III said the UN may resolve the matter by next year. “The South China Sea dispute is the most important issue today. ” Del Rosario said, citing growing international support to halt infrastructure activities in the South China Sea.

Barcelo, V. (2015, May 15). PH urges more focus on Spratlys. Manila Standard, p. A3.