The Philippines is in a position to ensure that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea will be consistent with international law, a US State Department official said.

Senior Associate Justice Carpio told reporters in a message: “The last time I checked, freedom of expression is still enshrined in our Constitution.”

The United States underscored the United Nations arbitral tribunal’s 2016 decision invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea is “final” and “legally binding,” as Washington strongly opposed Beijing’s efforts to assert its “unlawful” maritime claims.

European countries are unlikely to form a coalition to recognize the arbitral ruling invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea as they are “desperate” for Chinese money.

Enforcing the Philippines' arbitral win against China does not necessarily mean going to war with Beijing, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio stressed.