MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will continue to assert the Philippines’ claims to contested islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) this year, the country’s top diplomat said.
Asian leaders feuded on Monday over how to handle tense maritime territorial disputes with China, overshadowing talks at a regional summit meant to strengthen trade and political ties.
Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda insisted Wednesday there could be no compromise with China on the ownership of a disputed island chain and denounced attacks on Japanese interests.
Coastguard vessels from Japan and Taiwan duelled with water cannon Tuesday after dozens of Taiwanese boats escorted by patrol ships sailed into waters around Tokyo-controlled islands.
