MANILA – The United States on Sunday expressed support for the Philippines’ filing of a Memorial before an international arbitral court to support its claims on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In a statement, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf lauded the Philippines’ peaceful ways of seeking a resolution of its dispute with China.

“The United States reaffirms its support for the exercise of peaceful means to resolve maritime disputes without fear of any form of retaliation, including intimidation or coercion,” Harf said.

“All countries should respect the right of any States Party, including the Republic of the Philippines, to avail themselves of the dispute resolution mechanisms provided for under the Law of the Sea Convention,” she added.

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