FILE – Filipino student activists set fire mock Chinese ships to protest recent island-building and alleged militarization by China off the disputed Spratlys group of islands in the South China Sea, in Manila, March 3, 2016.
FILE – Filipino student activists set fire mock Chinese ships to protest recent island-building and alleged militarization by China off the disputed Spratlys group of islands in the South China Sea, in Manila, March 3, 2016.
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MANILA —
As an international arbitration ruling draws near on the Philippines’ case against China’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea, Manila is relying on international support to bolster its cause.

When the Group of Seven (G-7) nations, without naming China, officially expressed concern Monday over activities that it said raised tensions in the South and East China Seas, the Philippines welcomed the move, saying it “once again upholds the principles of international law.”

It also highlighted the G-7’s stated support for the use of legal dispute settlement mechanisms such as arbitration.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia said the statement gave a boost to Manila’s arbitration case against Beijing.

‘Abide by decision’

“It is important for us precisely for the international community to keep saying that they would like to see the parties, both parties, abide by the decision of the arbitral tribunal,” Cuisia said.

http://m.voanews.com/a/philippines-relying-on-global-support-in-south-china-sea-dispute/3285447.html