‘Blatant disregard’ of arbitral ruling condemned

MANILA, Philippines — As the nation commemorated the 7th anniversary of its legal victory in an international court against Beijing over the latter’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, a think tank has denounced what it called “blatant disregard of the ruling and persistent violation of international law” by “antagonistic states.”

In a statement issued on July 14, Stratbase ADR Institute – through its president Dindo Manhit – condemned “all attempts by antagonistic and coercive states to thwart efforts to uphold and reinforce the 2016 Arbitral Ruling” issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague.

Stratbase issued the statement in the wake of China’s declaring again its position that the arbitral ruling was “illegal, null and void.” China was not mentioned in the report.

He said the Arbitral Ruling ”underscores the victory of the Philippines and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

“We condemn the blatant disregard of the ruling and persistent violation of international law,  particularly in the form of gray zone operations, swarming of foreign vessels and destroying maritime resources within the Philippine territory,” Manhit said.

“Maintaining a united front against those who violate the ruling, the international community’s increasing presence in the Indo-Pacific illustrates that it will not sit idly while belligerent actors infringe on the sovereignty of an ally and partner,” he added.

Manhit reiterated that the arbitral award is final and legally binding.

“With this landmark ruling, the Philippines stands on the right side of history,” he maintained.

“Rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the award demonstrates the rule of law as a great equalizer among states. It represents shared democratic values, particularly mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial rights. Since 2016, the Philippines’ victory has been unanimously lauded, recognized and supported by states that espouse adherence to the fundamental value of the rule of law,” Manhit said.

On July 12, the Stratbase ADR Institute hosted a forum commemorating the 7th year of the arbitral victory.

Foreign envoys from the embassies of the United States, Australia, Japan, Delegation of the European Union, France, United Kingdom and India participated in the event and delivered strong and powerful statements on the importance of respecting the arbitral ruling and the Philippines’ national sovereignty.

“The Institute welcomes the firm and continued support of like-minded partners who place high regard on the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and on economic rights, national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Stratbase statement read. “As members of the global village, we acknowledge that it is the prime responsibility and obligation of states to adhere to the rules-based international order that ensures collective peace, security, stability and prosperity,” Manhit said.

“The Philippines is at the crossroads of phenomenal geopolitical and geo-economic developments that cut across various sectors. National interest must always be the priority as it rallies support from its allies, friends and partners in achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.

In her speech at the forum, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson emphasized the 2016 arbitral ruling was “a final and legally binding decision that validates the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, in a ruling that found the PRC’s maritime claims in the South China Sea were inconsistent with international law.”

“I want to reiterate that the United States calls for all claimants to resolve territorial and maritime claims peacefully and in accordance with international law.  We have consistently maintained that all South China Sea claimants should comport claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention,” Carlson said.

Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu voiced her country’s commitment “to promote adherence to international law and the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award in an effort to support the peaceful prosperous and stable region we all deserve to live in.”

“Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law. Where they undertake activities that are provocative and destabilizing, or where they don’t respect the rights and freedom of others, or when they advance their claims by intimidation and coercion,” she explained.

Japan’s lead diplomat in the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko called the 2016 arbitral award a “significant milestone to realizing rule of law at sea.”

“Japan has reiterated the tribunal award is the final and legally binding on the parties to dispute under the provision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We also reiterated our support to the Philippines’ commitment to the peaceful settlement of dispute in  the South China Sea. Japan was the first country that promoted  the concept of free and open Indo Pacific,” he pointed out.

In a joint statement, 16 of the 27 member-countries of the European Union also reaffirmed their support for the arbitral ruling and the importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established under UNCLOS. The EU countries are Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.