NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH Marks 7th Anniversary Of Win In South China Sea Arbitration
Photo credit: Handout / National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea / AFP
The Philippines marks the 7th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration, reaffirming the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its dispute settlement mechanisms.
The Arbitration Award settled disputes over historic rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, firmly establishing the limits set by UNCLOS and declaring claims that exceed these limits as legally invalid. The ruling, now an integral part of international law, continues to shape the region's maritime landscape.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the milestone as a reminder of the nation's commitment to the principles of the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes. The Philippines' decision to pursue arbitration has been vindicated by the Tribunal's decision, affirming the righteousness of their course of action. The Award has opened new possibilities, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of the Filipino people, and reinforcing their conviction that their rights over maritime jurisdictions are beyond dispute.
The Philippines acknowledges the growing number of partners expressing support for the Award. It is regarded as a beacon illuminating the path for all nations. The Award stands as a definitive contribution to the progressive development of international law, serving not only the Philippines but the entire world. Just as lighthouses guide vessels through the seas, the Award continues to guide those striving for peaceful dispute resolution and the maintenance of a rules-based international order.
The government of the Philippines is committed to translating the positive outcomes of the Award into tangible benefits for its people. The aim is to secure legitimate interests within the country's maritime domain while promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region. The Philippines stands firm in its resolve to uphold the principles established by the Arbitration Award and to work toward a future where maritime disputes are resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law.
In response to the 7th Anniversary, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US Department of State, reiterated the United States' commitment to the July 13, 2020 policy regarding maritime claims in the South China Sea. The US continues to urge China to align its maritime claims with international law as outlined in the UNCLOS. Furthermore, the US calls on China to cease its harassment of claimant state vessels operating lawfully in their exclusive economic zones, refrain from interfering with states' sovereign rights, and respect the freedom of navigation and overflight for all countries in the region.
The United States pledges to work alongside its allies and partners to foster a free and open Indo-Pacific region, one that upholds peace and adheres to international law. By promoting a rules-based international order, the US seeks to ensure the stability and prosperity of the region.
As the Philippines commemorates the 7th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding international law, resolving disputes peacefully, and safeguarding its rights and interests in the South China Sea. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the nation's unwavering pursuit of a just and rules-based global order, with hopes for a future where regional stability and cooperation prevail.
The Arbitration Award settled disputes over historic rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, firmly establishing the limits set by UNCLOS and declaring claims that exceed these limits as legally invalid. The ruling, now an integral part of international law, continues to shape the region's maritime landscape.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the milestone as a reminder of the nation's commitment to the principles of the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes. The Philippines' decision to pursue arbitration has been vindicated by the Tribunal's decision, affirming the righteousness of their course of action. The Award has opened new possibilities, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of the Filipino people, and reinforcing their conviction that their rights over maritime jurisdictions are beyond dispute.
The Philippines acknowledges the growing number of partners expressing support for the Award. It is regarded as a beacon illuminating the path for all nations. The Award stands as a definitive contribution to the progressive development of international law, serving not only the Philippines but the entire world. Just as lighthouses guide vessels through the seas, the Award continues to guide those striving for peaceful dispute resolution and the maintenance of a rules-based international order.
The government of the Philippines is committed to translating the positive outcomes of the Award into tangible benefits for its people. The aim is to secure legitimate interests within the country's maritime domain while promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region. The Philippines stands firm in its resolve to uphold the principles established by the Arbitration Award and to work toward a future where maritime disputes are resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law.
In response to the 7th Anniversary, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US Department of State, reiterated the United States' commitment to the July 13, 2020 policy regarding maritime claims in the South China Sea. The US continues to urge China to align its maritime claims with international law as outlined in the UNCLOS. Furthermore, the US calls on China to cease its harassment of claimant state vessels operating lawfully in their exclusive economic zones, refrain from interfering with states' sovereign rights, and respect the freedom of navigation and overflight for all countries in the region.
The United States pledges to work alongside its allies and partners to foster a free and open Indo-Pacific region, one that upholds peace and adheres to international law. By promoting a rules-based international order, the US seeks to ensure the stability and prosperity of the region.
As the Philippines commemorates the 7th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding international law, resolving disputes peacefully, and safeguarding its rights and interests in the South China Sea. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the nation's unwavering pursuit of a just and rules-based global order, with hopes for a future where regional stability and cooperation prevail.
Jul 12, 2023
