France has reaffirmed its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling as its embassy in Manila also expressed concern over recent developments in the South China Sea. “Following the recent incidents in the South China Sea, we express our concern and call for respect for international law and the resolution of disputes through dialogue,” the embassy said in a statement on Monday, in the wake of the latest reported swarming of some 50 Chinese vessels near Recto (Reed) Bank in the West Philippine Sea.

Santos, T. G. (2023, July 11). France reaffirms support for 2016 arbitral ruling. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A3.