Palace: PH stands on its own in territorial dispute with China

The Philippines is said to be alone in addressing its dispute with China over territories in the West Philippine Sea, a Malacañang Palace official said on Wednesday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Undersecretary Abigail Valte said the country had always “stood on its own” in seeking resolution on its territorial row with China.

Valte added the Philippines did not depend solely on US support on the issue. She said the country appreciated the support given by other countries with regard to its territorial dispute with China.

“We have always stood by our own. It is, of course, welcome on our part that other responsible members of the international community have voiced their strong support for our position,” Valte said in a press briefing.

The Palace official said the Philippine government was able to file an arbitration case against China considering “what is available to us, especially with regard to legal remedies.”

The Philippines has filed an arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in 2013.

The Philippines asks the Itlos to invalidate China’s nine-dash claim which allegedly reaches into the country’s exclusive economic zone.

China, however, refuses to participate in the proceedings, saying it has “indisputable sovereignty” over the disputed territories. RC