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PH gains global backing in WPS legal fight; 26 nations join Arbitral Award anniv forum

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By Monsi Serrano

The Philippines marked the ninth anniversary of its landmark legal victory in the South China Sea arbitration case with a groundswell of global support, as 26 countries joined in commemorating the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting a rules-based international maritime order anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Now entrenched in international jurisprudence, this historic ruling has been cited by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), further reinforcing the legitimacy and finality of the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DFA said. “It is an illuminating precedent for States facing similarly challenging circumstances in the seas.”

The DFA stressed that the ruling remains central to Philippine maritime policy and a source of guidance in asserting sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The rule of law can be the great equalizer between and among nations, and serve as the bedrock of peace and stability for the international community,” the statement added.

26 nations stand with PH

Among the countries that stood with the Philippines in commemorating the arbitral win were Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. The European Union, the supranational union, rounded up the attendance.

They participated in Stratbase Institute’s conference commemorating the 9th Anniversary of the Arbitral Award on the West Philippine Sea with the theme “Defending the Rules-Based Order through Reinforced Defense Capabilities and Partnerships.”

The support reflects the growing consensus among nations that disputes in the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the country’s transparency campaign has strengthened global awareness of Beijing’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

“The international backing highlights the importance of upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling and the rule of law in maritime disputes,” Tarriela said.

He noted that public support among Filipinos is also rising, especially in efforts to counter online disinformation regarding the West Philippine Sea issue.

Tarriela also recognized international partners that have stepped up to help bolster the Philippines’ maritime surveillance capabilities.

“Germany was the first to support the Philippines with drone surveillance projects as early as 2020. Since then, both Australia and Japan have committed to donating additional drones to the PCG,” he said.

“These drones are vital for surveillance in the West Philippine Sea, and their continued deployment strengthens the Philippines’ maritime security,” he added.

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