MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will continue to uphold maritime peace in the West Philippine Sea eight years after the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration junked China’s claims in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in favor of the Philippines is a “testament” to the country’s “unwavering commitment” to the rule of law and the peaceful settlements of disputes.
“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,” the DFA said.
It noted that the Philippines has “protected” and “promoted” the interest of the public and the “responsible enjoyment” of the country’s maritime entitlements.
The DFA said that the Philippines’ position has been reinforced by the increasing recognition of the Award’s legal significance as a credible and “legitimate source” of international law.
However, a day before the eighth anniversary of the landmark ruling, Beijing has called out the Philippines and urged to remove its warship in the area, adding that it “gravely damaged the coral reef ecosystem in the area.
“The Philippines’ illegally grounded military vessel at the lagoon slope of Ren’ai Jiao (Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal) since 1999 & relevant human activities have gravely damaged the diversity, stability & sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem in the area, said a scientific survey report,” China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said in an X post (formerly Twitter).
“Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. It’s high time the Philippines should promptly remove the warship from the area,” he added.
On July 12, 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal established under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention ruled that China’s expansive claims within its nine-dash-line were unlawful. Nevertheless, Beijing persists in refusing to acknowledge or accept the decision and insists that China holds the authority in the disputed waters.
Despite this ruling, China has continuously harassed Filipino fishermen roaming around the area for the past eight years.
Recently, tensions have escalated even more as frequent attacks against Filipino fishermen and authorities in the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard said that a Chinese vessel may have been involved in the capsizing of a boat in Subic, resulting in an “allision” on July 3. Authorities are currently searching for Jose Mondoñedo, who went missing during the incident.
