The negotiations for the conclusion of a more binding Code of Conduct (COC) between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China became the venue for the Philippines to once more raise concerns over Beijing’s recent aggressive actions in the contested waters.
“The meeting was an opportunity for the Philippines to strongly call for the need to adhere to international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award,” a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, April 14, said.
“The Philippines voiced its concerns on the situation in the West Philippine Sea, especially…