MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines stated on Thursday that the statement issued by the Quad foreign ministers on the situation in the South China Sea "underscores the need for firm adherence to international law." This is interpreted as a reaffirmation of international support for the ongoing issues the Philippines faces in the West Philippine Sea.

The DFA welcomed the remarks from the foreign ministers of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, commending their expression of serious concern over "dangerous and provocative actions" occurring in the East and South China Seas. Their remarks include obstruction of offshore resource development, repeated interference with freedom of navigation and overflight, and the use of water cannons and collision/blocking maneuvers by maritime militia vessels. While the Quad foreign ministers did not specify any particular country, the DFA assessed that the statement contributed to maintaining attention on the incidents the Philippines regularly faces in the West Philippine Sea.

Adherence to International Law and the Importance of the 2016 Arbitration Ruling 

The DFA further added that the Quad foreign ministers' statement particularly emphasizes the need for firm adherence to international law, such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS remains the "legal framework" for all activities in oceans and seas, the DFA explained.

In particular, the DFA highly appreciated the Quad foreign ministers' expression of "firm support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Ruling," emphasizing that this further solidifies the ruling's "status as an integral part of the international law framework." The 2016 arbitration ruling found that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, and the DFA asserts that this ruling "must be fully complied with to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes."

Strong Support from the U.S. Ambassador and Future Prospects 

Ahead of the 9th anniversary of the arbitration ruling, scheduled for next week on July 12, U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson is set to deliver a message expressing support for adherence to international law. Ambassador Carlson stated at a press conference at the U.S. Embassy, "We are ardent supporters of the Philippines with regard to advancing international law on freedom of navigation and maritime law," emphasizing, "We are here to support the Philippines on the amazing 9th anniversary of this very important ruling."

The DFA also welcomed the Quad nations' commitment to "capacity building" across the Indo-Pacific region in areas such as maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This demonstrates the Philippines' active participation in the international community's collective efforts for stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region, including the West Philippine Sea.

The remarks by the Quad foreign ministers hold significant meaning as a strong voice from the international community advocating for the Philippines' sovereignty and urging adherence to international law amidst escalating Chinese claims in the South China Sea. This is expected to further strengthen the Philippines' resolve to defend its rights through diplomatic efforts based on international law. The Philippine government is anticipated to continue its efforts for the peaceful resolution of the West Philippine Sea issue through close cooperation with the international community.