The Philippines celebrates its legal victory over China as the country marks the ninth anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling. This historic decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague rejected China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim and upheld the Philippines’ maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Nine years after an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, China still refuses to recognize the decision—keeping tensions high in the South China Sea. As the country marks this legal victory, officials emphasize the continued struggle to uphold international law and protect its maritime rights.
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A Testament to Rules-Based Order
The 2016 PCA award confirmed that the Philippines holds sovereign rights within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While the tribunal has no enforcement power, the decision remains a crucial milestone for maritime governance.
“The Philippines commemorates with the international community the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. It is a testament to the power of right over might and the rules-based order in the maritime domain,” it said.
Officials highlighted that the ruling also received support from other nations who see it as key to preserving peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
China’s Ongoing Defiance
Despite the PCA ruling, Beijing has continued to assert its broad maritime claims and construct artificial islands in contested areas. These activities keep tensions high and directly impact Filipino fisherfolk and patrol vessels operating in the West Philippine Sea.
Experts caution that ignoring the arbitral ruling undermines global respect for international law and could embolden unilateral moves in other disputed territories. Philippine authorities stress that dialogue anchored in legal principles remains the most peaceful path forward.
Nine years after the PCA ruling, the Philippines’ legal victory stands as both a diplomatic milestone and a call to remain vigilant in upholding sovereign rights and defending a rules-based international order.
