President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defending its maritime rights under international law during a diplomatic reception marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Marcos hosted the July 10 event at Conrad Manila, where members of the diplomatic corps gathered to commemorate the landmark ruling.
The award affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements in the South China Sea and rejected the legal basis of China’s sweeping claims within the so-called nine-dash line.
The reception also underscored the administration’s continued political and institutional support for the ruling and the country’s established position in the West Philippine Sea.
Issued on July 12, 2016, the decision found that China had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone by interfering with fishing and petroleum exploration.
The tribunal also ruled that China had caused environmental damage through its island-building activities and failed to prevent Chinese fishermen from operating in areas within Philippine jurisdiction.