PH asserts 2016 arbitral ruling during forum hosted by Chinese think tank

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has strongly reaffirmed the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, citing the landmark 2016 arbitral award, during a forum hosted by a Chinese think tank just days before the ruling’s ninth anniversary.

The forum, which gathered legal scholars, policy experts, and regional analysts, was predominantly critical of the arbitral ruling and the Philippines’ actions in the disputed waters.

In a press statement, the embassy said the Philippine delegation used the opportunity to assert the ruling’s legal weight and continuing relevance under international law.

“The Award, along with its annexes, proves the validity and legality of Philippine claims, and they are available for everyone to study and read,” the Embassy’s representative said during a plenary intervention.

The ruling, handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016, invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea—particularly those within the so-called “nine-dash line”—and affirmed that such claims had no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Responding to accusations made during the forum that the Philippines was acting as a "troublemaker" in the region, the Philippine representative pushed back firmly, emphasizing Manila’s commitment to diplomacy and constructive engagement.

“We disagree with the notion that the Philippines is not willing to engage with China. In fact, even with the Arbitral Award, the Philippines has continued to make efforts to keep lines of communication open, maintain proper dialogue, and engage positively with China as well as other claimant States, both bilaterally and regionally, within the context of our legally settled claims in accordance with UNCLOS and international law,” the official said.

The Embassy added: “We hope China’s actions demonstrate genuine willingness to engage and to produce constructive and positive outcomes.”

The forum took place amid heightened regional tensions and increasing international attention on the South China Sea. 

This year marks the ninth year since the 2016 ruling, which has been backed by several countries including the United States, Japan, Australia, and members of the European Union. However, China has repeatedly rejected the ruling, continuing to assert its expansive maritime claims and build artificial islands and outposts in contested areas.

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it monitored two vessels of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA) of China in the waters off Occidental Mindoro.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippinesover China's claims in the South China Sea, but the latter refused to recognize the decision. —Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News