(VOVworld) - US President Barack Obama on Wednesday agreed with his Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully in line with international law, as the two countries' tensions with China flared in recent weeks over East Sea issues.

The East Sea (Photo: WSJ)

At a joint press conference following talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Manila, President Aquino said the two leaders had discussed maritime security, including the maritime disputes in the region, and how international law should remain the framework for the behavior of all countries and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Aquino stressed "the freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea must be continuously upheld, consistent with international law".

President Obama also said that China needs to stop its illegal building in the region and reiterated Washington’s commitment to assuring Manila’s defense and security. Mr. Obama said that the US is likely to implement an agreement on defense cooperation with the Philippines regardless of the present unresolved situation.