Obama says South China Sea ruling ‘binding’

VIENTIANE, Laos - US President Barack Obama warned Thursday an international tribunal's ruling that China's sweeping claims to the South China Sea had no legal basis was "binding," after Beijing vowed to ignore the verdict.

"The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped clarify maritime rights in the region," Obama told a summit of Asian leaders in Laos.

The comments are sure to draw ire from Beijing, which has taken an increasingly belligerent stance on claims in the strategically important waterway.

Obama has urged China to adhere to the rule of law and not take unilateral measures that could raise tensions.

China in turn accuses the United States of interference and using the ruling to stoke confrontation.

"I recognize this raises tensions," Obama said referring to the ruling "but I also look forward to discussing how we can constructively move forward together to lower tensions and promote diplomacy and stability."

Even before Obama's comments, a dispute between the Philippines and China has overshadowed East and Southeast Asian summits in Laos.

Manila produced photos it said showed fresh construction activity at the flashpoint Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal), an accusation that was denied by Beijing and played down by Washington.

The area is just 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the main island of the Philippines, where US forces are stationed.

President Rodrigo Duterte during the ASEAN-China Summit on Wednesday emphasized the importance of adhering to rule of law and international governing bodies without mentioning The Hague ruling. 

Obama also reiterated the importance of human rights and upholding a rule-based order at the ASEAN-US Summit. 

“We have laid out a common vision for the region, articulated in the Sunnyland’s declaration, an open dynamic, economically competitive Asia-Pacific that respects human rights and upholds a rule-based order. Today we can discuss further how we can advance that vision together,” he said. 

ASEAN-US ties 

Obama mentioned the US-ASEAN Connect Initiative as a way to deepen economic cooperation with countries the region. 

"As ASEAN integration generates new opportunities will work to promote innovation and entrepreneurship between our countries and throughout the region and we will continue to push for completion of the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership]," he noted. 

The US President also pointed out the growing importance of the ASEAN in the region. 

"ASEAN is key to the US rebalance to Asia and more importantly it’s key to a peaceful and prosperous future for the world, and we have forged a strategic partnership and the US is committed building on this solid foundation," he said. —Agence France-Presse/Trisha Macas/KG, GMA News