US Calls Out China’s South China Sea Defiance – 9 Years After PCA Ruling
US and Philippines Reaffirm Commitment to Free and Open Indo-Pacific Amid Tensions with China
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Washington and manila underscore opposition to coercion in maritime disputes, referencing a pivotal 2016 arbitral ruling.
The United States has reiterated its steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing its opposition to the use of coercion or intimidation in resolving maritime disputes. This stance comes as renewed tensions simmer in the region, particularly following recent encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).
Upholding Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific
In a statement, Washington underscored its dedication to preserving peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. The US seeks to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight, maintain the unimpeded flow of trade, and actively oppose any attempts to settle maritime disputes through coercive means.
“The United States supports a free and open Indo-Pacific. We seek to preserve peace and stability, uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, maintain the free flow of trade, and oppose coercion to settle maritime disputes,” the statement read.
The US also issued a direct call to China, urging Beijing to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling and to cease its “dangerous and destabilizing conduct.” This ruling, delivered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), is a cornerstone of the Philippines’ position in its maritime territorial disputes with China.
Philippines Reinforces Call for Compliance with Arbitral Ruling
the anniversary of the PCA ruling has been marked by the Philippines renewing its call for China to comply with the landmark decision. manila stressed that all nations, “regardless of size, might, or capacity must meet their duties and obligations” under international law.
On Friday, the Philippines declared that the nine-year-old arbitral ruling has served as a crucial guide in the peaceful resolution of maritime territorial disputes. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) described the ruling as an “illuminating precedent for states facing similarly challenging circumstances in the seas.”
“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 DFA stated.
China’s Rejection of the Ruling and Accusations
China,however,has consistently refused to recognize the PCA ruling,asserting that it does not accept any claim or action based upon it. Over the weekend, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Manila dismissed the UNCLOS ruling as a “political circus dressed up as a legal action.”
the embassy further claimed that the Philippines had breached common understandings with China regarding the resolution of South China Sea disputes through consultation and negotiation. It also alleged that the Philippines violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which stipulates that parties concerned should resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means.The Chinese Embassy also asserted that the UNCLOS exercised its jurisdiction “ultra vires” and that the award rendered to the philippines was “illegal, null and void.” The statement concluded with a firm reiteration: “China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action thereon.”