Manila Philippines — The Philippine government thanked the Group of Seven (G7) for its insistence on the rule of law and rules-based maritime orders as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) when it comes to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines will remain ‘in compliance with UNCLOS and the decision of the Arbitration ruling in 2016 that declared 200 nautical miles as within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea.’
Also in recognizing the Philippines’ maritime entitlements and the freedom of navigation that the international community benefits from – a solid basis for maintaining prosperity, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Philippines also expressed appreciation at the G7’s support for China’s baseless claims in the South China Sea.
“As such, we appreciate the G7’s support in rejecting China’s baseless and expansive claims, and their call for China to cease its illegal activities, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea that engage in dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels,” the DFA said.
This includes a call to China to cease illegal activities of their ships and continued dangerous maneuvers against Philippine ships in the South China Sea.
It is said that the Philippines’ wants South China Sea to have peace, stability and prosperity and away from China’s interference and harassments.
“We want to see a South China Sea of peace, stability and prosperity, and the cessation of interference, obstruction and harassment of the Philippines’ legal activities within our recognized maritime entitlements,” it added.
China continues to criticize the interference of the United States based on the alleged alliance with the Philippines, which is causing an increase in tension in the region.
According to China, the situation in the South China Sea is fine contradict to real status of the Philippine Vessels conducting legal activities in the region.