Makati city: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has expressed concern over China's persistent rejection of the 2016 Arbitral Award, accusing the country of promoting a 'revisionist, self-serving interpretation' of international law in the South China Sea (SCS). Lazaro delivered her remarks during a recorded message at a Stratbase ADRI forum commemorating the 9th anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Ruling in Makati City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro highlighted the ongoing challenges to the legitimacy of the 2016 ruling, which dismissed China's nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea as illegal. She emphasized that China's actions threaten not only the Philippines' maritime interests but also regional stability and prosperity. "It is worrisome that China has continued to reject the binding Arbitral Award and persists with illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions," Lazaro stated, affirming the award's importance to Philippine maritime policy.
The controversial nine-dash line, which has evolved into a 10-dash line, claims a significant portion of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Lazaro reiterated that the Philippines remains resolute in rejecting any attempts to undermine the Arbitral Award and international law, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based order.
The forum also saw participation from ambassadors of various countries, including the United States, Australia, and the European Union, who supported the Philippines' stance. US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson criticized China's actions in the South China Sea, describing them as operating with 'impunity.' She affirmed the US's support for the Philippines in maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding the 2016 ruling.
New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh echoed these sentiments, highlighting the arbitral award's role in maintaining international law and regional stability. Ambassadors from Japan, South Korea, India, and the United Kingdom also underscored the importance of adhering to international law and the 2016 ruling.
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, representing Canada's G7 presidency, expressed 'deep concern' over China's disregard for the ruling. He emphasized the ruling's significance in affirming sovereign rights and called for collective action to support the rule of law.
German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke reiterated Germany's support for the rules-based international order and the Philippines' rights under international law. Similarly, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel called for enhanced operational partnerships to support the 2016 Arbitral Award, expressing interest in a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines to bolster defense cooperation.
In her closing remarks, Lazaro emphasized the Philippines' commitment to defending its maritime interests through building partnerships and enhancing its capacities. She outlined the Marcos administration's focus on championing international law, maintaining open communication, leveraging alliances, and using diplomacy for domestic capacity-building in maritime policy.
