The Philippines on Wednesday, March 26, welcomed the Group of Seven foreign ministers’ reaffirmation of their stance in the South China Sea that condemned China’s “illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions.”
G7 Foreign MInisters' meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec (Photo from Global Affairs Canada)
A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acknowledged the “collective position” of the G7 as expressed in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement and their Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity issued in Charlevoix, Canada on March 14.
“We acknowledge, in particular, the G7’s objection to illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions, and appreciate its consistent expression of concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea,” the DFA’s statement read.
“We also acknowledge the G7’s pronouncements on the importance of coastal states refraining from unilateral actions that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment, including land reclamation and the building of outposts, and attempts to change the status quo by the establishment of new geographical facts,” it added.
The DFA furthered that it appreciates the G7’s “consistent reaffirmation” that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the legal framework governing maritime activities in the oceans and the seas.
It also recognized G7’s “consistent acknowledgment” of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal award that invalided the basis of China’s claims in the resource-rich region.
The DFA said that this acknowledgement confirms the arbitral award’s “status as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law.”
In joining the G7’s commitment to uphold a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines said it envisions South China Sea “as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity.”
Manila is also committed to “call for the cessation of interference, obstruction and harassment of the Philippines' legal activities within our recognized maritime entitlements,” the DFA emphasized.
The G7’s joint statement condemned China’s actions that undermine regional peace and stability through land reclamations and building of military outposts.
"We condemn, as well, dangerous vessel maneuvers, the indiscriminate attacks against commercial vessels and other maritime actions that undermine maritime order based on the rule of law and international law," the ministers said.
Last month, a Chinese helicopter flew as close as three meters above and on the side of a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft flying over the over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which is well within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.