Following the recent incidents in the West Philippines, the Embassy of France in the Philippines expressed deep concern and called for respect for international law and the resolution of disputes through dialogue.
“We are resolutely opposed to any use of force or threat to do so. We recall, in this regard, the Arbitration award rendered under UNCLOS on the 12th of July 2016,” said in the statement released to the media and reiterated its support for the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
Furthermore, the French Embassy said it opposes any use of threats and called on all parties to respect the international law on the sea.
“We are resolutely opposed to any use of force or threat to do so. We recall, in this regard, the Arbitration award rendered under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) on the 12th of July 2016,” it added.