FILE - This May 11, 2015, file photo, shows land reclamation of Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. In the statement the U.S. also urged all claimants in the South China Sea to avoid provocative statements or actions. ___2:17 a.m.A senior White House official for Asia policy is stressing the importance of upholding the “rules-based international order” in the South China Sea. 6 p.m.Japan urged China and the Philippines to abide by an international tribunal ruling that found no legal basis for Beijing’s South China Sea claims. An international tribunal has found that there is no legal basis for China’s claiming rights to much of the South China Sea.

Source: Washington Post July 13, 2016 00:22 UTC