News Story: Asia tension could lead to conflict: Philippine FM

The Philippines on Thursday warned that territorial rows in Asia are "causing considerable tension that could lead to conflict" as several countries face off with China over island claims.

Philippine secretary of foreign affairs Albert del Rosario, speaking at a Tokyo business conference, said China's "nine-dash line claim encompassing almost the entire South China Sea" is "excessive."

"In addition to the South China Sea, we have in Northeast Asia, home to Asia's biggest

economic powerhouses, several disputes that have adversely affected relations between and among Japan, China and the Republic of Korea.

"The competing territorial and maritime disputes are causing considerable tension that could lead to conflict," he warned.

China is believed to be boosting its naval capability in the Pacific and has been criticised by neighbours for what is seen as an increasingly aggressive stance in the region, particularly in its multiple territorial disputes.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily