Philippine Foreign Secretary Denounces China’s Claims in the South China Sea as Inconsistent with International Law

Locsin emphasized that the arbitral tribunal’s 2016 ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims over the disputed waters, was “non-negotiable” and that China’s stance on the matter was “without basis in international law.” He called for all nations to respect UNCLOS and the arbitral tribunal’s ruling, and for a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute through dialogue and cooperation.

The Philippines and China have been locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea for years, with China claiming almost the entire sea while the Philippines and other neighboring countries claim parts of it. Despite the ruling of the arbitral tribunal, China has continued to assert its claims and build military installations in the disputed waters, causing tensions in the region.

Locsin’s speech highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea and protecting the sovereignty of nations involved in the territorial dispute. It also underscores the Philippines’ commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute through dialogue and cooperation with all nations involved.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. denounces China’s claims in the South China Sea as inconsistent with international law and calls for all nations to respect UNCLOS and the arbitral tribunal’s ruling. The Philippines remains committed to upholding the rule of law and seeking a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute through dialogue and cooperation with all nations involved.