Philippines rejects Chinese embassy statements on 2016 South China Sea ruling

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs rejected statements published by the Chinese embassy in Manila that questioned the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea. The department said the award was issued by a tribunal formed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and is final and binding.

Officials added that the ruling has become part of international law and provides legal clarity on maritime rights in the region.

Embassy posts The Chinese embassy posted statements attributed to its deputy spokesperson that asked what the Philippines had gained from the award and whether relations had improved or worsened. The posts also questioned the role of arbitration in bilateral ties.

The embassy statements came two weeks before the tenth anniversary of the July 2016 ruling. The ruling invalidated China's nine-dash line claim, found island-building activities harmful to the environment, and affirmed the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Background on the award China has not accepted the 2016 decision despite being a party to the Law of the Sea convention. Philippine officials noted that Chinese vessels continue to restrict access to Scarborough Shoal, which the award designated as traditional fishing grounds for multiple nations.

The Philippines currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and has sought to complete a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. Officials have said any agreement must align with international law, including the 2016 award.