Brussels: The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to international maritime law, saying the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea remains final and legally binding on both the Philippines and China.

According to Philippines News Agency, the EU's high representative issued a statement on Sunday marking the 10th anniversary of the ruling, emphasizing that the award must be respected and fully implemented as a key step toward the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The ruling was issued by an independent arbitral tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The EU highlighted its unwavering commitment to UNCLOS, which codifies customary international law and sets out the legal framework for all maritime activities.

The EU stressed the necessity of upholding freedoms, rights, and obligations under UNCLOS, particularly those related to navigation and overflight, including transit passage rights. These principles are deemed vital for regional stability, global security, and the maintenance of open sea routes.

Expressing concern over increasing tensions and incidents in the South China Sea, the EU opposed unilateral actions that threaten regional stability and the rules-based international order. It reiterated support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China in concluding a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, consistent with UNCLOS.

The statement concluded with a call for resolving all tensions and disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, in line with international law, with UNCLOS and the UN Charter at its core.