The United States has reiterated its call for China to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and to cease provocative actions in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly criticized China’s continued defiance of the ruling and its aggressive behavior toward neighboring countries with competing maritime claims.
‘‘Beijing’s expansive claims directly infringe on the sovereign rights and jurisdictions of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, and undermine peace, stability,’’ Rubio said in a statement Saturday.
He described the arbitral decision as a ‘‘significant milestone and useful basis’’ for resolving maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
The ruling, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on July 12, 2016, invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash-line claim. It upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), referred to domestically as the West Philippine Sea. China has refused to accept the ruling.Rubio emphasized that the United States supports a ‘‘free and open Indo-Pacific,’’ stressing that Washington seeks to preserve peace and stability, uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, ensure the free flow of trade, and oppose any coercive attempts to settle disputes.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro also voiced concern over Beijing’s refusal to honor the ruling, saying it ‘‘persists with illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions under cover of a revisionist, self-serving interpretation and application of international law, particularly UNCLOS.’’
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, for his part, urged Filipinos to stand united in defending the nation’s sovereignty as the country commemorated the ninth anniversary of the arbitral award.
‘‘The Arbitral Award reaffirms what we’ve always known in our hearts’’ the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people. Not because we are the strongest, but because it is rightfully ours under international law,’’ Romualdez said.
He called the ruling “a victory of principle over power, of law over intimidation,’’ and said it demonstrates what Filipinos can achieve “when we stand as one people, bound by patriotism and a deep love for country.’’
Romualdez added that the award is more than just a diplomatic instrument’’ it has become a ‘‘cornerstone of our foreign policy, a source of strength for our people, and a moral compass for nations that seek justice through peaceful means.’’
He praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense for defending the ruling and reinforcing alliances with nations that share the Philippines’ commitment to international law.
Romualdez also warned against disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining the award. ‘‘This is not just about maritime boundaries. It’s about our dignity, our future, and our duty to the next generation,’’ he said. “The rule of law is our shield, but unity is our sword.’’
“The West Philippine Sea is ours,’’ he added. “And as long as we stand as one’’ brave, just, and proudly Filipino’’ we will always stand on the side of what is right.’’
