Longtime allies the Philippines and the United States (US) jointly expressed their concern over the "provocative unilateral actions" undertaken by China that aim to change the status quo in the South China Sea. The South China Sea dispute was not the only issue taken up by the top defense and foreign affairs officials; they also welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent decision to declare the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as consistent with the Philippine Constitution.

Mabasa, R. C., & Recuenco, A. B. (2016, January 15). US, PH express concern over China's 'provocative, unilateral actions'. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 13.