The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Japanese Embassy in Manila, among others, commemorated the 2016 arbitral tribunal win that invalidated the basis of China’s sweeping maritime claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.

In a statement on July 12, Saturday, the DFA marked the 9th anniversary of the landmark ruling on the South China Sea issue, underscoring the need to follow international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Since its promulgation by the Arbitral Tribunal, this Arbitral Award continues to serve as a guide for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and its dispute settlement mechanisms,” the statement read.

Noting that the award is “now entrenched in international jurisprudence” and has been cited by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in rendering their decisions, the DFA said this further reinforces the “legitimacy and finality” of the arbitral award.

“It is an illuminating precedent for States facing similarly challenging circumstances in the seas, and the clearest of reminders to the international community that the rule of law can be the great equalizer between and among nations, and serve as the bedrock of peace and stability for the international community,” the statement added.

The DFA furthered that the arbitral award “will continue to be a cornerstone of Philippine maritime policy and the country’s unflinching advocacy for a rules-based order governed by international law.”

“The Filipino nation will always look to the enduring guidance of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in asserting its rights and entitlements in its maritime domain and in protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” it added.

Moreover, the arbitral award will continue to be honored by the Philippines’ move to enhance public awareness on the country’s maritime entitlements, rights, and obligations under the UNCLOS, as well as forge partnerships with like-minded countries.

The EU delegation in the Philippines and the Japanese Embassy in Manila are also one with the Philippines in celebrating the spirit of the arbitral award.

European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro reaffirmed during policy think-tank Stratbase’s Symposium on the 9th Year of the Arbitral Victory Forum on Friday, July 11, the Philippines’ and EU’s “strong commitment” to international rule of law.

“Yet the award’s significance invites a larger reflection about how the pre-eminence of international law, and adherence to certain values, unites the international community, widely represented by today’s speakers,” he said.

“On the South China Sea we have underscored that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means, without the threat or use of force or coercion, in accordance with international law. The EU has also consistently reaffirmed the importance of maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with UNCLOS,” he added.

The envoy expressed EU’s support for the ongoing negotiations towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, and the Philippines chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. 

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also released a statement to commemorate the anniversary of the arbitral win.

“On the 9th anniversary of the Arbitral Award, New Zealand calls on the parties to respect the ruling on maritime rights in the South China Sea as final and binding,” the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) read.

“Peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with UNCLOS – the Constitution for the Oceans – is fundamental to regional stability,” it added.

Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya expressed his “deep respect to all those who have worked courageously and tirelessly to get this achievement,” noting DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro’s role then at the DFA-Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs when the Philippines filed the case.

“Upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law are the benefit of all countries, large and small,” he said in his remarks in the same forum.

“Based on this recognition, Japan highly appreciates the position of the Government of the Philippines, which has consistently complied with the award and shown its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea,” the envoy added.

Endo lamented the “attitude” of neglecting the peaceful settlement dispute because it “undermines the rule of law in the international community.”

“Japan strongly hopes that the parties' compliance with the award will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea. Rule of law at sea is one of the most enduring achievements of the United Nations to date,” he stated.

The ambassador, however, acknowledged the “many challenges” that face the adherence to UNCLOS, including unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea and claims that are inconsistent with UNCLOS.

Endo also expressed support for the ASEAN’s commitment to advance negotiations on the more binding COC, highlighting the need for a substantive and “truly effective” code “that align with the principles enshrined in the UNCLOS, ensuring that the legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders are fully respected.”