Vatican Urges Peaceful Resolution in South China Sea Disputes

The Vatican’s foreign minister, Paul Richard Gallagher, urged peaceful resolutions for disputes over the South China Sea during a visit to the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international law. His comments come amid rising tensions between China and the Philippines over the Second Thomas Shoal.

The Vatican's foreign minister urged countries in dispute over the South China Sea to find a peaceful solution, during a rare visit to the Philippines on Tuesday. Paul Richard Gallagher told a press conference "every effort" must be made to resolve differences peacefully.

"We encourage parties in conflict to abide by international law," he said. China and the Philippines have recently traded accusations over "dangerous and illegal manoeuvres" affecting their respective vessels in the area around the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed atoll in the busy waterway.