MANILA — The Philippines has renewed its call for China to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims over the West Philippine Sea, urging all nations—regardless of power or size—to uphold international law.
In a recorded message at a forum hosted by Stratbase ADR Institute on Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized that the landmark ruling handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague must be honored, calling it a “cornerstone of Philippine maritime policy.”
“Nearly a decade since the award, its legitimacy continues to be tested and challenged,” Lazaro said, warning that persistent defiance endangers Philippine maritime interests and regional peace.
The 2016 ruling, which China continues to reject, affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone and struck down China’s so-called “nine-dash line” claim.
Lazaro reaffirmed that under her leadership, the ruling—along with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—will remain the foundation of Philippine maritime strategy.
Lazaro outlined four strategic pillars of Philippine maritime policy, including strengthening alliances with like-minded nations and maintaining open communication channels with both China and ASEAN claimant states.
She stressed that “deterrence” must involve not just military preparedness but also diplomacy rooted in international law.
“The arbitral award is a shining affirmation of UNCLOS’ dispute resolution mechanisms. It is an unassailable part of the corpus of international law,” she said.
Lazaro voiced concern over China’s ongoing rejection of the ruling and its continued “illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions” in the West Philippine Sea—often under a “self-serving” interpretation of maritime law.
These include the use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels, particularly in contested areas such as Ayungin Shoal.
Despite rising tensions, Lazaro maintained that it is in the Philippines’ strategic interest to keep diplomatic engagement open with China.
She cited recent “pragmatic outcomes,” including a provisional agreement enabling peaceful resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal after prior confrontations.
“Our diplomacy will continue to firmly protest where necessary, but also collaborate where it is practical and beneficial,” she said, noting the “deep cultural ties” between the two countries.
The Philippines also continues to strengthen cooperation with other claimant states—Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan—and aims to finalize an effective regional Code of Conduct in the West Philippine Sea when it assumes ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship next year.
“The Philippines will not waver in rejecting attempts to undermine the award and international law,” Lazaro concluded. “By standing on the side of the rules-based order, we strengthen our partnerships and build a united front against unlawful claims and aggression at sea.”