To sum up:
+ Unified response: Philippine allies condemn China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, stressing the importance of the arbitral award for regional stability.
+ International solidarity: US Ambassador Carlson calls for China to halt aggression, highlighting strong alliances and the arbitral award’s global significance.
+ Commitment to cooperation: Australian, French, Canadian, and Japanese ambassadors pledge enhanced maritime cooperation and support for the Philippines.
Metro Manila, Philippines — There is strength in numbers.
Philippine allies stood as one as they commemorated the eighth anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral award.
In a West Philippine Sea forum organized by Stratbase Institute on Friday, the United States, Japan, Australia, France and Canada all expressed concerns on rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the risk of miscalculations due to the aggressive and illegal behavior of China.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said Manila’s call for adherence to the award is a collective struggle of all countries to achieve peace and stability in the region.
“It is your fight as much as it is ours,” said Ano.
The NSC chief adds that the country’s efforts in the West Philippine Sea will carry on.
“The way forward for us is to uphold the 2016 arbitral award at all times and to reject any and all attempts to degrade or vilify it. It is not and will never be a mere piece of paper,” said Ano.
“It is also a solid foundation for the peaceful resolution and management of disputes without which only the mighty and powerful will prevail,” he added.
At one point during his term, then President Rodrigo Duterte called the award a piece of paper and he will even throw it in the wastebasket. The Duterte administration adopted a policy of setting aside disputes in a bid to forge closer ties with Beijing.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro said China’s refusal to recognize the award is one of the challenges in enforcing the ruling.
“We have seen China escalate tensions even further through repeated aggressive actions, including but not limited to obstruction of Philippine vessels, destructive use of water cannons, collisions and dangerous maneuvers, and many others – all with impunity,” she said.
She said China has demonstrated that it is ready to take on the reputational cost of non-compliance with international law.
Lazaro added that Beijing attempts to weather it through economic inducements and development aid, as well as positioning itself as the counterweight to so-called “Western imperialism.”
US: Countries showing ‘unprecedented solidarity’ for PH
United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the network of support from Indo-Pacific partners for the Philippines’ cause has expanded over the years.
“The United States, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Canada, and France have engaged in a series of multilateral maritime cooperative activities in an unprecedented show of solidarity. Sailing together sends a clear message: that we are all committed to upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law,” said Carlson.
The US ambassador also called on China to cease aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
“With the backing of an increasingly interconnected latticework of alliances and partnerships, the United States continues to urge the PRC to cease escalatory and dangerous harassment of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone; to stop infringing on the Philippines’ rights to explore, conserve, and manage natural resources,” said Carlson.
She said that apart from the security aspect, the arbitral award has contributed to global prosperity.
Australia, France: You can count on us
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu said that they are upgrading maritime cooperation with the Philippines in the field of maritime security and defense.
“Unlawful claims are being asserted through intimidation. Unsafe behavior is increasing the risks of accidents and miscalculation. Provocative and destabilizing actions are raising tensions,” said Yu.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said Paris is also enhancing ties with Manila. Fontanel lauded the recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement between the Philippines and Japan.
“Congratulations on that. We are working very hard to be one of the countries next in line,” said Fontanel.
Canada boosts PH surveillance capacity
The Dark Vessel Detection system of Canada is among the highlights of Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman’s message in terms of upgrading the country’s surveillance capabilities.
“Dark vessels, in essence, are ships whose location transmitting devices have been switched off, often in an attempt to evade monitoring, control and surveillance,” said Hartman.
“Here in the Philippines, we remain optimistic by helping to expose illegal activities taking place within Philippine waters,” he added.
Japan: Upholding peace is shared responsibility
For Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, the 2016 arbitral award showed crystal clear directions in navigating turbulent waters of the South China Sea.
But he admitted that the actual situations on the sea remain challenging and complex.
“The power of international voices holds importance in shaping outcomes. The Philippines has the support and backing of many like-minded countries who are present here today. As allies, partners, friends, we stand united in navigating these uncertain waters and uphold the fundamental principles that safeguard our shared waters,” said Kazuya.
Data from the DFA showed that 27 countries have expressed support for the arbitral award.
