Ten years after the landmark ruling was issued, international support for the 2016 Arbitral Award upholding the Philippines’ maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea continues to grow, according to independent think tank Stratbase Institute.
The group cited the participation of nearly 30 foreign missions during a forum in Makati commemorating the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award on July 10, saying the diplomatic presence reflected continued global support for preserving the ruling amid rising tensions in the region.
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres Manhit said the participation of representatives from 26 foreign missions showed the international community’s commitment to keeping the arbitral ruling relevant.
“By celebrating the milestone anniversary with the Philippines, these partners are ensuring that the 2016 Arbitral Award remains a living document that defines the future of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific,” Manhit said.
The forum was attended by ambassadors from Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, who reaffirmed their support for the arbitral ruling.
Also present were heads of mission from the United States, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Ireland, Israel, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, and Austria.
Representatives from Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Italy, and Thailand also attended the event.
Stratbase said international recognition of the ruling has continued to expand. Citing data from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, the group said 27 governments had publicly expressed support for respecting the award as of January 2025.
Between November 2022 and October 2024, 18 countries, including France, South Korea, and Norway, strengthened their positions by explicitly recognizing the ruling as legally binding.
On July 12, European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, speaking on behalf of the 27 EU member states, affirmed that the 2016 Arbitral Award issued by the independent tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was final and legally binding.
“As a landmark decision in the peaceful settlement of disputes, it must be respected and fully implemented by the parties involved,” Kallas said.
She also expressed concern over increasing tensions and dangerous incidents in the South China Sea, saying the EU opposed unilateral actions that threaten regional stability and the rules-based international order.
During the forum, Indian Ambassador Sri Harsh Kumar Jain said New Delhi considers the 2016 Arbitral Award “final and binding” and a basis for peaceful dispute resolution.
South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa also expressed support for the Philippines’ leadership role in regional cooperation, saying stability depends on respect for international law.
“Prosperity flourishes when seas unite rather than divide, when rules prevail over coercion, and when freedom of navigation and overflight are respected in accordance with international law,” Lee said.
Stratbase recognized participating countries for their willingness to speak against actions it described as dangerous and destabilizing, including the use of water cannons and the launch of nuclear-capable missiles in the Pacific region.
The institute said international support for the Philippines’ maritime position has also translated into stronger defense and security cooperation, including Australia’s planned new defense cooperation arrangement for 2026 and the United Kingdom’s ongoing negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOFA).