(AP Photo)MANILA -- China's foreign minister on Tuesday said he supported the idea of joint energy ventures with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, warning that unilateral action could cause problems and damage both sides. The Philippines suspended energy activities while awaiting a ruling in a case by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. When it ruled a year ago, the court invalidated China's claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of seaborne goods passes each year. The Philippines relies overwhelmingly on imports to fuel its fast-growing economy and needs to develop indigenous energy resources. In the latest confrontation, Chinese fighter jets intercepted a US Navy surveillance plane over the East China Sea at the weekend, according to US officials.

Source: Bangkok Post July 25, 2017 09:22 UTC