NSA welcomes G7 stance vs maritime aggression

By supporting the Philippines against China's harassment at sea and flouting of international law, the world's seven richest and most influential countries comprising the Group of Seven (G7) have made a "significant affirmation" of the importance of rulesbased order, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said over the weekend.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

"The resolute stance of the G7 nations against the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea, particularly the obstruction of high seas freedom of navigation, is a significant affirmation of the principles of international law and the rules-based international order," Año said in a statement on Saturday.

On the last day of its summit in Italy on Saturday, the G7 voiced its support for the Philippine position on the West Philippine Sea issue and reaffirmed its disapproval of China's sweeping claims as well as its militarization in the South China Sea and East China Sea. It's in East China Sea where the Shikoku group of islets being contested by Japan and China is located.

The G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"We appreciate the G7's explicit condemnation of the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels. This acknowledgment underscores the international community’s recognition of the threats faced by our nation and reaffirms the importance of upholding the rule of law in maritime disputes,” Año said.

“We stand with the G7 in opposing China’s militarization, coercive actions and intimidation activities in the region,” he pointed out.

“The G7’s reiteration of the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award is a vital reminder that this ruling is legally binding. It serves as a crucial basis for the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he added, referring to the ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague.

The ruling, which stemmed from a case filed in 2013 by the Aquino administration, invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claim and reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.