(VOVworld) – Recent developments in the East Sea, including international cooperation on East Sea issues and opportunities and challenges in enforcing the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)’s ruling, topped the agenda of the East Sea seminar in Manila on Tuesday.

The seminar, called “East Sea: the Philippines, ASEAN, and international partners”, was organized by the ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ADRI) in the lead-up to the 30th ASEAN Summit.

Participants also discussed Philippines foreign policy, including geopolitics, military, marine science, international law, and external relations with Southeast Asia, China, and other countries.

ADRI President Dindo Manhit called on ASEAN members to stay united in addressing East Sea issues in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

As Chair of ASEAN 2017, the Philippines needs to work with other ASEAN countries and partners to accelerate the formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, Mr. Manhit said, adding that the Philippine government must affirm the importance of the PCA’s ruling.