The United States has called on claimant states in the South China Sea to spurn antagonistic behavior that does not follow international protocol, given China’s “gross” manifestation of its forces in the disputed waters.

The Philippines and China convened yesterday for the 22nd Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC), as Manila reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states and Beijing on sustaining the steady progress of negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

The Philippine government might open Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea to tourists.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Tuesday sought to clarify President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks that China is “in possession” of the West Philippine Sea, saying the commander-in-chief actually said Beijing is “in position” in the disputed waters.

Following the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte that China can continue fishing in Philippine exclusive economic zone, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned that this would seriously deplete fish stocks in the West Philippine Sea.