The Philippines and 13 other countries have reaffirmed their support for the landmark 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, which remains final and legally binding despite China's continued rejection of the award.
The statement, issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, marked the 10th anniversary of the ruling and emphasized the importance of resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The 14 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK, expressed concern over dangerous actions at sea and called on parties to refrain from using coast guard and military vessels to obstruct lawful maritime and aerial activities.
The countries urged the parties to abide by the 2016 award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said the arbitral award remains the cornerstone of Philippine policy in the West Philippine Sea and would continue guiding Manila's engagement with regional partners.
Secretary Lazaro described the 2016 ruling as a "landmark triumph of peaceful dispute settlement" that had permanently illuminated the waters of the South China Sea.
The Philippines would continue using the ruling as the basis for its position in negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea while boosting partnerships to promote a rules-based maritime order.
The country's foreign policy will ensure that domestic capacities are fully supported by a foreign policy that firmly asserts its rights, advances its interests, and contributes to a peaceful, stable, and rules-based maritime order.
Analysts said the award remains the Philippines' strongest legal instrument against China's maritime claims, despite Beijing's refusal to recognize it.
Chester B. Cabalza, president of the International Development and Security Cooperation, said the ruling has evolved beyond a legal victory into a strategic tool against China's information campaign.
Cabalza described the 2016 arbitral award as the "ultimate wake-up call" that shattered the Philippines' complacency and ignited the sleeping spirit of Filipino resistance.
The National Maritime Council also described the award as the Philippines' strongest legal foundation for asserting its maritime rights.
The Philippines initiated arbitration proceedings against China in 2013 under UNCLOS, and the arbitral tribunal ruled that China's "nine-dash line" had no legal basis, affirmed Manila's sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone, and found that Beijing had violated those rights.
