Palace welcomes US Senate resolution backing PH on sea dispute

MANILA, Philippines – Amid the continuing conflict between Southeast Asian Nations and China, the United States recently approved a resolution supporting the Philippines’ moves for peaceful settlement of territorial dispute.

Map showing the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea (south China Sea), including the Spratlys Islands and Scarborough Shoal. AFP

Quoting US Senate Resolution no. 412, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Sunday said the US reaffirmed “its unwavering commitment and support for allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific Region, including long-standing United States policy regarding Article V of the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treat.”

Coloma explained that the resolution showed the US’ support for arbitration and peaceful settlement of disputes in West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), as well as its approval of Philippines’ actions.

“The Republic of the Philippines properly exercised its rights to peaceful settlement mechanisms with the filing of arbitration case under Article 287 and Article VII of the Convention of the Law of the Sea in order to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the dispute,” the resolution said.

Coloma said Section 1 of the resolution clearly “condemns coercive and threatening actions or the use of force to impede freedom of operations in international airspace by military or civilian aircraft, to alter the status quo or to destabilize the Asia-Pacific Region.”

The Philippine official assured the people that the government would continue to pursue diplomatic options while maintaining dialogue with its Southeast Asian neighbors and allies.

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