It claims that part of the maritime territory being claimed by China sits within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile (370 kilometer) exclusive economic zone.
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Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said the men discussed “freedom of navigation operations, the relationship between the two navies including pending port visits, senior leader engagement and the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue”. Anger over the U.S.’s move in the South China Sea dominated the headlines of major newspapers in China Wednesday.
The US Navy stressed that it is entitled to “protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under global law”.
However, he indicated that the incident wouldn’t disrupt official exchanges between the sides, saying that planning was still underway for a visit by Adm. Harry Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, later this year. China’s sovereignty and relevant rights over the South China Sea have been formed over the long course of history and upheld by successive Chinese governments.
The court said it could hear the arguments including one contending that several South China Sea reefs and shoals were not important enough to base territorial claims on.
Yang’s remarks came following the U.S. sending the guided-missile destroyer Lassen into waters within the 12-mile limit of Zhubi Reef, of China’s Nansha Islands, in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
While the United Nations tribunal acknowledged its jurisdiction over the Philippine case against China, however, it did not include in its ruling the merits of the case as this would be subject of further hearing.
McCain said Washington should continue to support partner countries and allies such as the Philippines in the face of China’s assertiveness, including through routine freedom-of-navigation patrols like the one that angered Beijing this week.
“The USA has conducted naval operations in the South China Sea in recent days and will conduct similar operations in the future”, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said.
Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, said the ruling could pave the way for China to finally enter into peaceful negotiations together with Vietnam, Malaysia and other claimants. The warnings were ignored by the USA ship and the Chinese navy was “deeply concerned”, Wu said. China has not participated in the proceedings and does not recognize the court’s authority in the case.
“China has constantly asked for evidence showing how it is affecting navigation security in the South China Sea”.
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In welcoming the tribunal’s decision, the official cited the statement of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino who said: “Who wouldn’t be happy that what we call the rule of law prevailed?”
