US President Donald Trump and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: VNA/Xinhua)Hanoi (VNA) – USPresident Donald Trump and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte vowed tosupport freedom of navigation and overflight, according to a US-Philippinesjoint statement issued by the White House on November 13.
The joint statement said “both sidesreiterated their commitment to uphold their principles including the freedom ofnavigation and overflight, and the exercise of self-restraint.”
They stressed the importance of usingpeaceful measures to resolve disputes in the East Sea in line withinternational law.
The leaders also highlighted the needto continue pursuing confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust andconfidence, and to refrain from actions that would escalate tensions, includingmilitarisation.
On November 13, President Duterte’sspokesman Harry Roque Jr. told the press that ASEAN pushed for a peaceful resolutionto the East Sea issue and called for the completion of a code of conduct forthe disputed waters.
Trump arrived in the Philippinecapital Manila on November 12 to take part in the 31st ASEAN Summit and relatedmeetings.
The Philippines is the last leg ofTrump's Asia tour, which has taken him to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Chinaand Vietnam. It is his first trip to the region since taking office inJanuary.-VNA
VNA
