AMID China’s continued refusal to abide by the 2016 arbitral award, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reiterated it is final and binding and has been reaffirmed numerous times by the international community.
Manalo made the remarks in a joint press conference with visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar yesterday.
“China on many occasions say they don’t accept the arbitral award. All I can say is that the arbitral award is final and binding, and this has been reaffirmed by the international community,” Manalo said.
“There are other parts of the international law, which the Philippines — and I understand the rest of the international community — is continuing to adhere to, and that is the sovereign rights of the exclusive economic zones for each country, clearly indicated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS,” he added.
Manalo said Manila has consistently reaffirmed the need for every country to abide by international law in resolving disputes.
“This is a message that we have consistently stated, and in fact, just recently in this incident in Ayungin Shoal where China harassed and prevented… our ships from resupplying our troops, we had messages of support from over 20 countries, governments who clearly stated the importance of adhering to international law,” Manalo said.
Among the countries that supported the Philippines are the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain Italy, Republic of Korea, Romania, Poland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Japan, Ireland, Hungary, France, Finland, EU, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Canada and the Czech Republic.
Manalo further said Manila has consistently asserted and reasserted its rights in the area consistent with international law.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 have dismissed China’s massive claim in the South China Sea and said its so-called nine dash line claim has no legal or historical basis.
China, however, refused to abide by the arbitral ruling and instead continue to press its claim on the South China Sea while constructing artificial islands and fortifying it with weapon systems, runways and piers to handle naval and coast guard vessels.
Manalo’s remarks also came a day after Manila and Beijing traded diplomatic protests over recent incidents in Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal. The DFA also reiterated Manila’s demand for Beijing to pull out its vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and the country’s exclusive economic zone “immediately.”
China also lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said is the “illegal trespassing” of Philippine vessels near Ayungin, or what it calls Ren’ai Jiao.
SUPPORT
Jaishankar said New Delhi supports Manila in upholding its sovereignty in areas within its territory in the disputed South China Sea amid continued Chinese harassment and other aggressive activities.
“We are convinced that the progress and prosperity of this region is best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order, the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said.
“It is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas. All parties must adhere to it in its entirety both in letter and in spirit. I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty,” he added.
Jaishankar also emphasized the need for all countries to respect and adhere to international laws and a rules-based approach in resolving disputes.
Manalo said he conveyed the government’s gratitude to the Indian Navy for its swift action to save the crew of MV True Confidence which was hit by missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels last March 6. The attack killed two Filipino seamen but the rest of the crew, including 13 other Filipinos, were saved by an Indian Navy ship.
“We also explored possible cooperation to ensure the safety of Indian and Filipino seafarers such as those working onboard merchant vessels by the Red Sea. The Philippines and India are staunch advocates of safety at sea, freedom of navigation and adherence to international law, including UNCLOS and arbitral award,” he added.
President Marcos Jr. also thanked India for rescuing of the Filipino seafarers.
The President relayed the Philippines’ gratitude to Jaishankar during the latter’s courtesy call in Malacañang.
US SOLONS
A group of lawmakers from the United States, during a call on the President, expressed concerns over “China’s aggression” while reaffirming their country’s commitment and alliance with the Philippines.
American Sen. Kirsten Elizabeth Gillibrand also acknowledged the Philippines’ unwavering economic partnership with the US and emphasized the importance of trade to foster other strategic investment opportunities between the two countries.
Gillibrand also acknowledged the valuable contributions of Filipinos living and working in the US, highlighting their contributions to their healthcare and technology industries as well as the armed services.
The President expressed his gratitude to the US delegation for their visit, saying it not only strengthens the ties between the two nations but also offers a platform to engage in productive discussions on many issues including “geopolitical complications” faced by the Philippines. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
