Duterte abhors Chinese attack in Ayungin

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday slammed China’s recent action against Philippine supply boats transporting food supplies to military personnel in Ayungin Shoal in the Kalayaan Island Group.

During the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations, Duterte said the blocking and firing of water cannons on two supply ships November 16 “does not speak well of the relations between our nations and our partnership.”

“We abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with grave concern other similar developments,” the Chief Executive also said.

Duterte said the territorial disputes in the contested South China Sea could not be solved by force.

He called on stakeholders to exercise utmost self-restraint and avoid the escalation of tensions as well as work towards the peace resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

“UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award provide legal clarity… pointing us to a just and fair solution to our disputes. We must fully utilize these legal tools to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” according to the President.

Duterte also asked China to remain committed to the conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the sea region.

“There is simply no other way out of this colossal problem but the rule of law,” he said.

The post Duterte abhors Chinese attack in Ayungin first appeared on .

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)