MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president has ordered offshore waters claimed by China and others to be renamed the West Philippine Sea.
The name covers portions of what many call the South China Sea and includes waters around the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal. The Spratlys are contested by China, the Philippines and four other claimants. China and the Philippines has a ship standoff over the Scarborough Shoal earlier this year.
Benigno Aquino III's order took effect when it was signed Sept. 5. It calls on the government's map-making agency to use the new name.
Aquino said Wednesday that countries use different names for areas they claim and the new name will help define Manila's claims.
