US supports peaceful resolution of maritime dispute in SCS

The US today supported a peaceful resolution of maritime dispute in South China Sea as Philippines submitted a memorial filing in its arbitration case concerning competing claims in South China Sea.
"The US reaffirms its support for the exercise of peaceful means to resolve maritime disputes without fear of any form of retaliation, including intimidation or coercion," State Department deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said.
All countries should respect the right of any States Party, including Philippines, to avail themselves of the dispute resolution mechanisms provided for under the Law of the Sea Convention, she noted.
"We hope that this case serves to provide greater legal certainty and compliance with the international law of the sea," he said.

"Regardless of the results of this arbitration proceeding, we call on all parties to refrain from taking unilateral actions that are escalatory and destabilizing, to clarify their respective maritime and territorial claims in accordance with international law, and to commit to the peaceful management and resolution of disputes," Harf said.