Nations urged: Persuade China to accept sea row ruling

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is urging the international community to help persuade China to accept the United Nations tribunal’s ruling on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines and for Beijing to comply with the decision.

“The Philippines maintains that the decision of the tribunal, once rendered, will be legally binding and should be accorded due respect by everyone. We are enjoining other nations to help us to convince China to respect the rule of law,” resigned foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario said during a testimonial lunch yesterday at the Fairmont Makati Hotel.

The Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, AMCHAM-Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and Bankers Association of the Philippines hosted the testimonial luncheon for Del Rosario. 

Del Rosario said the Philippines has reposed its faith in the rule of law, particularly on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other applicable principles of international law. 

“Having presented our positions and evidence in support of all our submissions before the Arbitral Tribunal last November, we now await the tribunal’s decision on the merits of the case. To this decision, we shall accordingly abide,” he said.

The tribunal’s decision on the Philippines’ case against China for excessive and expansive claims in the South China Sea is expected to be released in May. 

Del Rosario said as a result of Chinese unilateral conduct of test flights, island-building activities and constructions, and challenges on freedom of navigation, over flight operations, ongoing militarization and China’s still continuing prevention of Filipino fishermen from plying their trade at the Philippines’ Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal area have “seriously heightened tensions and further highlight the urgency of an early promulgation of the decision.”

The Philippines fully recognizes China’s role in world affairs and supports its peaceful development. 

The country openly acknowledged that China’s emergence as an economic power has been of great benefit not only for Asia-Pacific but also for the world, he said.

“Notwithstanding certain difficulties and positions, we have consistently maintained that the South China Sea issue is not the sum total of our relations with China. It is my belief, nevertheless, that for China to be truly viewed as a positive force and a responsible regional power, it is of great import for China to manifest adherence to and respect for the rule of law,” Del Rosario added.

In February, Del Rosario admitted that he felt the Philippines was alone in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute, but the country has gained allies in initiating an arbitration case against China for a lasting, legal and durable solution.