A high-ranking Filipino diplomat has underscored the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as part of the international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), amid the regional uncertainty caused by China’s continued aggressive stance in the South China Sea.

Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso made this pitch during her virtual intervention at the 34th ASEAN-United States (US) Dialogue held on May 6, 2021.

Buensuceso’s pitch on the Arbitral Award came on the same week when President Duterte stated that the ruling from The Hague is “just a piece of paper” that can be thrown in the wastebasket.

In outlining Philippine concerns, Buensuceso spoke on the presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the country’s maritime zones, “which not only infringes upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction but also threatens the security and stability in the region”.

She recalled the incidents when the Philippines protested “in the strongest terms” the shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers, and radio challenges by the Chinese Coast Guard of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels during the latter’s maritime patrols and training exercises in Bajo de Masinloc in late April.

Ambassador Atul Keshap, head of the United States delegation, echoed the Philippine position and reiterated the US commitment to stand by the side of their ASEAN allies, especially the Philippines.

The American representative expressed concern over the worrisome activities which erode sovereignty, limit the rights of other states, and erode their ability to pursue the well-being of their people. It further stated that unlawful maritime claims pose a serious threat to the freedom of navigation and overflight, which in turn affect trade and commerce that are so important to ASEAN countries.

During the interaction, the Philippines welcomed Washington’s support and commitment to helping ASEAN members enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities through programs such as the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative (SEAMLI) and the Maritime Security Initiative.

“Maritime cooperation is a vital element, a solid foundation for the prosperity, peace, and continued work of ASEAN with our external partners like the United States...We stand to succeed by combining our diverse knowledge in this very important area of cooperation,” Buensuceso said as she highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration in areas such as conservation of marine resources, safety of navigation and communication at sea, and search and rescue operations, as outlined in the ASEAN-US Plan of Action 2021-2025.