The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its support in upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China in the South China Sea.
Amanda Milling, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) Minister of State for Asia and Pacific, during a meeting with Department of Foreign (DFA) Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., noted that “we‘ve consistently said that everyone needs to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Award.”
This developed after Locsin welcomed Milling's earlier pronouncement reaffirming the importance the UK attaches to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a stable South China Sea and expressing concern at “recent incidents that have raised tensions and urge against actions that hinder the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
Philippine supply boats were recently blocked and water cannoned by Chinese Coast Guard vessels in Ayungin Shoal, an act deemed illegal by the DFA.
READ MORE: 'Illegal acts': DFA condemns China Coast Guard's blocking of PH supply boats in Ayungjn Shoal
The two ministers met on Dec. 11 at the sidelines of the G7-ASEAN Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in Liverpool, UK. It was a follow up to their phone call during Milling’s official visit in the Philippines in October.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment of enhanced the two nations' long-standing partnership, with 75 years of diplomatic relations.
“Our relations are on a fine trajectory. We look forward to continued collaboration under your and FCDO Secretary (Elizabeth) Truss’ able leadership, especially as we mark the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations,” Locsin told Milling.
They also discussed the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, the UK’s role and contributions in the Indo-Pacific, the outcomes of COP26, and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Locsin also expressed appreciation for the UK’s donation of AstraZeneca vaccines to the Philippines, adding that by the end of 2021, UK would have given the Philippines more than 5.8-million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines in direct donation and through the COVAX Facility.