The Philippines has highlighted the importance of the 2016 arbitral award as part of international law as tension in the South China Sea continues to grow among claimants. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) made the statement after the Philippines joined the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States (ASEAN-US) Dialogue held via video conference on May 6.

Geducos, A. C. B. (2021, March 9). PH asserts arbitral award on South China Sea, calls for greater ASEAN-US maritime cooperation. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.