China: US has no role in sea dispute

MANILA, Philippines - China shrugged off the United States' expression of support for the Philippines' submission of a written pleading to a United Nations tribunal to resolve the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

China Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Monday that the US plays no part in the disputes between Manila and Beijing.

"The US is not a party concerned in the South China Sea disputes," Hong said in a press conference.

Also read: China: Philippines 'hyping up' Ayungin issue

US State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf on Monday declared its support for the Philippines' right to seek legal means in lodging the arbitration case before the UN and demand relief from the 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 in a statement.

Hong, however, expressed confidence that the US will remain neutral on the issue despite its declarations.

"It has on many occasions stated that it takes no position on issues concerning territorial sovereignty," Hong said.

Also read: China cites int'l law in opposing arbitration

He also urged the US to honor its commitment to uphold stability in the strategic waters instead of taking part in the diplomatic row.

The US is a long-time ally of the Philippines, its former colony, and has called Beijing's actions on the territorial dispute "provocative."

Just recently Chinese coast guard blocked Philippine supply ships from sailing to the Ayungin Shoal, where a group of Filipino military men are stationed.

Chinese coast guard also drove away Filipino fishermen from the Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, which has been a rich fishing ground for the natives of Zambales province.

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