MANILA – International law will be the “great equalizer” in the Philippines’ ongoing territorial row with China, a Philippine envoy said during a reception.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia said the country’s move to seek arbitration before an international tribunal underscores its desire to define its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea in a peaceful manner.

“We have always been asked why we have resorted to arbitration. Our answer is simple. International law is the great equalizer,” he said in his remarks during a reception he hosted on January 07 for Washington-based journalists led by National Press Club President Myron Belkind.

“By taking the legal route, we are showing the world that States have other viable options to resolving disputes other than in an asymmetrical negotiation where the big and militarily strong nation will dominate the smaller nation in the negotiating table.”

Read more: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/09/15/intl-law-great-equalizer-dispute-resolution-ph-envoy