PH, EU reaffirm commitment to UNCLOS, 2016 arbitral ruling

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their shared commitment to uphold international law and freedom of navigation during the Third Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation held in Brussels on Oct. 7, under the framework of the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

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According to the EU, the meeting underscored the two sides “resolve to uphold the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” which they described as the legal framework governing all maritime activities.

Both called for the full and faithful compliance of all parties with the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which they emphasized is “final and legally binding.”

The Philippines and the EU reiterated their “strong opposition to illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous activities” in the South China Sea.

They expressed “serious concerns” over unilateral actions that endanger peace and regional stability, urging all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes only through peaceful means in accordance with UNCLOS.

Both sides welcomed continued diplomatic engagement to manage tensions and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.