Aquino urges China anew: Respect UN ruling on South China Sea dispute

LOS ANGELES, California—President Benigno Aquino called on the international community, including China, to abide by the decision of the United Nations arbitral tribunal on disputes over the South China Sea, as he once more stressed the need for the primacy of the rule of law.

Mr. Aquino made the statement on the second day of the special summit between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Philippines has an arbitration case challenging Beijing’s claim to almost the whole of the South China Sea. A decision is expected by midyear.

Mr. Aquino also said ASEAN must promote a rules-based regime for resolving disputes and managing tension, he said.  SFM