The Philippines, together with the United States, European Union, and allies call on China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling of the South China Sea
The Philippines celebrated on Friday, the eighth anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, that the nation has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, and that China’s nine-dash line is invalid. With pouring support globally, international community led by the United States and European Union, called out China to abide the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
On July 12, marks the eighth anniversary of the award issued by the tribunal, constituted under Annex VII to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in the arbitration instituted by the Republic of the Philippines against the People’s Republic of China, concerning the South China Sea.
This award represents a significant milestone in the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. Dispute settlement mechanisms provided under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea contribute to the maintenance, and furthering of the international legal order, based on the rule of law.
While the Philippines' 2016 Arbitral Award victory, gains more international support every year, China continues to defies and will never accept the ruling. It is far too dug in, on its discredited maritime claims, over nearly all of the South China Sea.
Beijing refused to join the arbitral proceedings back in 2013, is itself an undeniable fact, that it got no solid case to secure a legal victory. So, it went on to attack the tribunal, the award, and the Unclos itself, while China is pretending to champion for international law.
The international community, led by the United States, reaffirms there unwavering support for the Philippines right in the West Philippine Sea, in upholding international law particularly Unclos.
In a statement released by US Secretary of State, The United States joins the Philippines in marking the 8th anniversary of the final and legally binding Arbitral Ruling. U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken affirms the Arbitral Tribunal's determination that China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea are inconsistent with international law.
“We continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling, to cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct, and to comport its conduct as well as its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea to the international law of the sea.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson also posted on X to support their unwavering support to the Philippines in marking the Victory of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
In a statement Published by Australian Ambassador to The Philippines, the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which is final and binding, all parties involved must respect and honor the award. Australia has consistently called for the decision to be respected. Adherence to Unclos is vital for an open, stable and prosperous region.
Over the years, the Philippines has continued to demonstrate this commitment to peace even in the face of the unlawful actions which have caused serious incidents in the South China Sea. Without ever diminishing their resolve, to protect and promote their people’s interest, and the full and responsible enjoyment of its legally settled maritime entitlements and its accompanying rights and jurisdictions, the DFA said in a statement.
The Award is a reaffirmation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and protects their rights as a coastal state and a seafaring people. Every effort to secure their legitimate interests in its maritime domain is a testament to the determination and courage of the Filipino people, while showcasing the Philippines’ vision of peace and stability that inspires and resonates beyond the waters of the South China Sea.
China’s aggression is borne out of its sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea. In 2016, however, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s nine-dash, now ten-dash line claims.
China expresses strong dissatisfaction, with firm opposition to the United States and European Union’s statement on the 8th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration and has lodged solemn representations. According to China, the US and EU are not party to the South China Sea issue and their statement, disregarding the history and facts of the South China Sea issue, openly endorses the Philippines’ infringement on China’s sovereignty.
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