Photo: whitehouse.gov

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Thursday, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs expressed its support for Brunei's pursuit of a code of conduct for claimants to the West Philippine Sea (East Sea) as the sultanate assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Philippines Foreign Ministry, spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Philippines supports Brunei and hopes that with Brunei’s leadership, COC negotiations will be conducted quickly. Several countries including China are supporting conflicting territorial claims with maritime patrols, military rehearsals, oil exploration, and incorporation of new cities.