Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 12) — On the seventh anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling on Wednesday, more governments around the world reaffirmed their support for the landmark decision that recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone and invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.
In a statement, the United States stressed that the 2016 ruling of the tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is “final and legally binding.”
READ: PH wins maritime arbitration case vs. China
The US Department of State’s statement also condemned China’s attempts to “explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources” of other states.
“We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law,” the US government said.
Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu shared the same sentiment, underscoring the need to respect international law “for an open, stable and prosperous region.”
Ahead of the anniversary, the European Union (EU) and the Canadian government issued statements expressing their support anew for the Philippines in upholding the July 12, 2016 ruling.
The EU said the ruling is “a significant milestone” as it serves as a “useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties.”
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, meanwhile, stressed the need to enforce the ruling.
“We have always been strong in our position… and we have been an active vocal proponent on the enforcement of it, encouraging all parties involved to respect the ruling,” he said.
READ: EU, Canada reaffirm support for ‘legally binding’ 2016 arbitral ruling
In a separate statement, the German Embassy in Manila also said international law must “be honored and upheld.”
“All disputes must be resolved peacefully, not by force or coercion,” it added.
PH welcomes support for 2016 ruling
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo welcomed the statements of support from other nations for the Philippines’ legal victory in the West Philippine Sea.
“Anniversaries are markers reminding us of the trajectory we have taken as a nation and as a people. In the decision to file a case for arbitration, the Philippines opted to take the path of principle, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the country’s top diplomat said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The Tribunal’s decision affirmed the correctness of that course of action,” Manalo added. “We are honored that the Award stands as a beacon whose guiding light serves all nations.”
To mark its seventh year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched a microsite collating “accurate information” on the arbitral award.
“We understand that the issue is complex and may be confusing, so this is an attempt to clear some of the fog. It is a work-in-progress site, but I feel it is an important start to gaining a better understanding of the complex issues faced by the Philippines in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea,” DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Ponce said.
China still rejects WPS decision
The US called on China to stop its “routine harassment” in the West Philippine Sea and respect the ruling, which China has repeatedly rejected.
“The Arbitral Tribunal gravely violated UNCLOS and general international law. The award is illegal, null and void,” the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said Wednesday.
“China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the award,” it added.
Beijing also accused Washington of masterminding the arbitration case – saying “the US ropes in allies to play up the issue each year on the anniversary of the illegal award to gang up against China.”
