Department of National Defense calls for rules-based order in the South China Sea
MANILA – Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said they strongly agree with the position of the international community for a rules-based order in the South China Sea.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the Department of National Defense urged China to comply with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) “to which it is a signatory.”
“It is in the best interest of regional stability that China heed the call of the community of nations to follow international law and honor existing international agreements,” he further said.
He added they at the Department of National Defense continues to push for the finalization of a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to settle disputes and prevent the escalation of tensions in the region. (Melo M. Acuña)
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (File Photo/Melo M. Acuna)
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