Chorus of nations' backs Phl in maritime row - US

The Philippines can depend on a "chorus of nations" declaring support for the 2016 arbitral ruling to defend its maritime rights and entitlements as well as help maintain a rules-based order in the face of China's acts of aggression and flouting of international law, US Ambassador Marykay Carlson said yesterday.

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"We are proud to be among the chorus of nations that have consistently lent their voices to supporting the Philippines and calling out unlawful and escalatory behavior," Carlson said in a speech before the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea.

"We are far from alone. More and more nations - from East Asia to Western Europe - have spoken out to support the Philippines, uphold international law and urge the PRC (People's Republic of China) to cease escalatory and dangerous actions that impede the exercise of freedom of navigation and overflight from which all nations benefit,” she said.

“The collective voice of the international community is loud and getting louder, and it speaks to our common resolve in support of international law and the standards that benefit us all,” she declared.

Carlson said the US, the Philippines and like-minded partners share a common vision for a free, open, prosperous, connected and resilient Indo-Pacific region.