MANILA, Philippines – Amid the continuing conflict between Southeast Asian Nations and China, the United States recently approved a resolution supporting the Philippines’ moves for peaceful settlement of territorial dispute.

Quoting US Senate Resolution no. 412, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Sunday said the US reaffirmed “its unwavering commitment and support for allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific Region, including long-standing United States policy regarding Article V of the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treat.”

Coloma explained that the resolution showed the US’ support for arbitration and peaceful settlement of disputes in West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), as well as its approval of Philippines’ actions.

“The Republic of the Philippines properly exercised its rights to peaceful settlement mechanisms with the filing of arbitration case under Article 287 and Article VII of the Convention of the Law of the Sea in order to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the dispute,” the resolution said.