Philippines Ambassador to India, Josel F Ignacio, expressed worries about the rule of law in the South China Sea, stating that the region faces significant challenges. Ignacio highlighted that despite legitimate maritime entitlements, the Philippines encounters illegal challenges in the area. He emphasized the country’s commitment to resolving disputes through legal means.
The Ambassador pointed out that the South China Sea has been a contentious area for years, with a desire for peace and prosperity prevailing among nations like the Philippines and ASEAN. However, he noted that the current situation poses a threat to the rule of law in the region, particularly concerning the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and maritime entitlements.
Recent tensions arose as the Armed Forces of the Philippines refuted allegations from the China Coast Guard regarding a maritime incident near the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines criticized the presence of the China Coast Guard in an area where the country holds sovereign rights under international law. Ignacio reiterated the Philippines’ stance on peaceful dispute resolution based on legal frameworks amid ongoing challenges.
China’s continued assertion of its claims in the South China Sea through the nine or ten-dash line was highlighted by Ignacio. He emphasized that historical rights have been superseded by UNCLOS, which defines maritime entitlements based on international law. The Ambassador underscored the importance of upholding legal boundaries and respecting territorial sovereignty in the region.
