The United Nations has reiterated its support for a peaceful settlement of the dispute between the Philippines and China in the East Sea, said the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. According to Philippine media, the DFA said in a statement that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon “renewed the world body’s support” at a meeting with Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Libran Cabactulan at the UN headquarters in New York last week.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said the UN backs a peaceful dispute settlement (Photo: UN)

During the meeting, Cabactulan reiterated the Philippines’ bid for arbitration as one such means to settle the dispute, a move that China has rejected. The Department said Ban was closely monitoring developments in the case.