PH marks 8th anniversary of arbitral ruling on West Philippine Sea

Graphics by Samuel Yap / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines marked 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 (in the South China Sea) and that China’s “nine-dash line” is invalid.

“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 our resolve to protect and promote our people’s interest and the full and responsible enjoyment of our 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 our rights as a coastal state and a seafaring people. Every effort to secure our legitimate interests in our 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,” it added. 

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.

According to DFA, the Philippines’ stand has only been strengthened by “the broadening affirmation of the legal value of the Award as a positive and legitimate source of international law.”

The support aired by other states, including the G7 – only confirms that the arbitral tribunal’s 2016 ruling is final and binding, the DFA added.

“With our national interest and sovereign rights in mind, the Philippines will move forward to chart a course anchored on peace, security and prosperity in our region,” DFA concluded.