The Philippines marked the ninth anniversary of its landmark 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award with a sharp condemnation of China’s continued rejection of the ruling, accusing Beijing of “illegal, coercive and aggressive actions” rooted in a “revisionist, self-serving interpretation and application of international law.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Teresa P. Lazaro, speaking at a forum co-hosted by Stratbase ADR Institute and the Australian Embassy, said: “The Award remains a cornerstone of Philippine maritime policy. It is an unassailable part of the corpus of international law and a shining affirmation of the compulsory dispute resolution mechanisms of Unclos.”

Talosig-Bartolome, M. (2025, July 12). PH scores Beijing over sea disputes, calls arbitral award a legal cornerstone. BusinessMirror, p. A4.