Скачать или смотреть Philippines Rejects Force in WPS Dispute

Global and regional powers led by the United States on Friday vowed continued support for the Philippines as tensions in the disputed South China Sea rise amid China's increasingly aggressive behavior.

As the Philippines marked the eighth anniversary of the arbitral ruling that invalidated China's massive claim in resource-rich waters, the US, Canada, Australia, France, and Japan called on China to stop its "illegal," "dangerous," and "deeply concerning pattern of behavior" and to adhere to the rule of law.

"The United States is proud to stand with the Philippines as we work together to bolster our 73-year-old alliance," said MaryKay Carlson, Washington's top diplomat to Manila, at a forum commemorating the landmark decision by a The Hague-based tribunal that ruled in favor of the Philippines on July 12, 2016.

"Described as ironclad and on hyperdrive, our alliance grows stronger by the day through 500 joint exercises and other engagements every single year," the American envoy said.

Carlson said the international community has expanded support networks for the Philippines through joint sails and other multilateral cooperative activities to show its "unprecedented show of solidarity."