9th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea

“The European Union  and the Philippines share a belief on legal means to solve international disputes, and a strong commitment to the international rule of law, anywhere in the world.

On the South China Sea the EU underscores that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means, without the threat or use of force or coercion, in accordance with international law. The EU has also consistently reaffirmed the importance of maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with UNCLOS.

We support the on-going negotiations towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Our position has consistently been that the future Code of Conduct should be effective, legally binding and in line with UNCLOS, and not prejudice the interests of third countries.

In any situation or dispute, our compass is very clear: the UN Charter, International treaties, the UNCLOS. In Europe, in Asia, but also elsewhere, including in cyberspace.

This is why the European Union is enhancing its security cooperation with the Philippines and with many other partners in Asia and the world.”

This is what the EU Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Massimo Santoro, said during his intervention at the @StratbasePH Conference on the 9th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.