EU presses for full implementation of 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling

The European Union (EU) on Sunday called on parties involved in the South China Sea dispute to fully implement the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling, as it marked the decision's 10th anniversary with a renewed appeal for adherence to international law and peaceful dispute resolution.

In a statement issued by the EU High Representative on behalf of the bloc, the European Union said the July 12, 2016 arbitral award remains "final and legally binding" on the Philippines and China and "must be respected and fully implemented by the parties involved."

The EU described the ruling as a landmark decision in the peaceful settlement of disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"The 2016 Arbitral Award, adopted by the independent and impartial arbitral tribunal in accordance with UNCLOS, is final and legally binding upon the parties to the proceedings," the statement read.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to UNCLOS, describing it as the universal legal framework governing activities in the world's oceans and seas.

It said protecting the freedoms of navigation and overflight, including the right of transit passage, is essential to regional stability, global security, and maintaining safe, free, and open sea lanes.

The bloc also urged continued negotiations between ASEAN and China for an "effective, substantive and legally binding" Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is consistent with UNCLOS.

"All tensions and disputes must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means, in accordance with international law, with the Charter of the United Nations and UNCLOS at its core," it said.

The EU likewise expressed concern over what it described as the "steady increase of tensions and dangerous incidents" in the disputed waters.

It said it firmly opposes unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the rules-based international order, while reiterating its commitment to safe, free, and open maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The arbitral ruling, issued by a tribunal in the Permanent Court of Arbitration on July 12, 2016, invalidated China's sweeping "nine-dash line" claim over most of the South China Sea.

It also ruled that China's expansive maritime claims had no legal basis under UNCLOS.

China has consistently rejected the decision and has refused to recognize the ruling despite repeated calls from the Philippines and its international partners to comply with the award.— MCG, GMA News