PHL reiterates call for self-restraint in South China Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reiterated its call for self-restraint when it comes to actions in the South China Sea.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose made the call following the reported media tour given by Taiwan on the disputed Taiping island allegedly to advance its claim.

"We reiterate our call to all parties concerned to refrain from taking actions that will further complicate the situation in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea)," Jose told GMA News Online in a text message.

Communications Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma Jr., meanwhile, declined to comment on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III, saying he has to verify the incident first with the DFA.

The Philippines and Vietnam also claim Taiping, the island which was visited by international press on board a C-130 plane of the Taiwanese air force.

As part of its case before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague, the Philippines argues that Taiping and other islands are just "rocks," a categorization which helps its broad claims in the area.

Taiwan disagrees, saying Taiping is a fully fledged island, a categorization which entitles it to a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.  —KBK, GMA News