by Paterno Esmaquel II Posted on 10/07/2013 3:10 PM |Updated 10/07/2013 4:40 PM

PH VS CHINA. The Philippines claims that Panatag, a disputed area in the South China Sea, lies within its exclusive economic zone. China says it's theirs.

MANILA, Philippines The Philippines upheld freedom to navigate the South China Sea after China on Monday, October 7, blasted the United States, Japan, and Australia for interfering in maritime disputes.

There's such a thing as freedom of navigation. A big percentage of world trade passes through our waters waters that are a subject of dispute right now, Philippine Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.

Referring to the US, Japan, and Australia, Lacierda said: Do they have an interest? Yes, they have an interest because of freedom of navigation.

Lacierda issued this statement after China on Monday criticized the 3 countries.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said: The alliance between the US, Japan, and Australia should not be used as an excuse to interfere in disputes over territorial sovereignty; otherwise, it will only complicate the situation and hurt the interests of relevant parties. We urge these countries to respect facts, tell right from wrong, be discreet, and refrain from any word or deed that is not conducive to the proper handling of relevant issues and to regional stability."

She added China upholds a long-standing and clear-cut position on South China Sea disputes.

This position includes rejecting third parties in settling maritime conflicts, such as the United Nations (UN) tribunal before which Manila filed an unprecedented case against Beijing.

READ: PH-China dispute 'acid test' for int'l law - Carpio

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PH upholds freedom of navigation amid China warning