Malacañang on Sunday said that the declaration of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders on the South China Sea supported the country’s claim in the disputed waters.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the G7 Declaration stressed adherence to the rule of law in solving the territorial dispute—a key element of the country’s policy on the issue.

“In expressing concern over the South China Sea issue, the Group of Seven or G7 Declaration affirmed the importance upholding the rule of law. Adherence to the rule of law as embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has always been the linchpin of Philippine policy,” Coloma said in a radio dzRB interview.

The Palace official said that the members of the international community, which include the G7, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), have extolled outgoing President Benigno Aquino III for pursuing a “rules-based, peaceful and diplomatic” resolution of the country’s territorial dispute with China.

“This advocacy has brought to light the critical importance of upholding freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, and has been the basis for the Philippines’ decision to file a petition with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. This move of the Philippines has been welcomed and encouraged by many nations,” he added.

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/139749/palace-g7-declaration-bolsters-ph-claim-in-sea-dispute-with-china#ixzz4A6dCeopb