Philippines affirms stance on peaceful settlement of East Sea issue
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte called for stepping up the adoption of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) while addressing the 37th ASEAN Summit via a teleconference on November 12.
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA)
Hanoi (VNA) – President of the Philippines Rodrigo Dutertecalled for stepping up the adoption of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea(COC) while addressing the 37th ASEAN Summit via a teleconference onNovember 12.
According to the CNNPhilippines, Duterte affirmed the Philippine stance is clear and firm. He said "We must solve the disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),"
He stressed that thePhilippines together with ASEAN member states look toward the goal of turningthe East Sea into a sea of peace and prosperity for all.
Manila commits to the immediate conclusion of a substantive and effective COC, he said.
During the 37th ASEAN Summit,Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin reaffirmed the settlement of the East Sea issue by peaceful means in accordancewith international law.
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Malaysia is firm with its stance that matters relating to the East Sea (known as the South China Sea internationally) must be resolved peacefully and constructively, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on November 12.
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President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA) 
