Manila: The National Maritime Council (NMC) has doubled down on the Philippines' defense of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, declaring that the landmark ruling remains legally binding and continues to guide the country's maritime policy nearly a decade after it was handed down.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NMC, supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), emphasized that the Philippines' maritime rights are grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reinforced by the 2016 award. This award invalidated key aspects of China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

The council reiterated, "The Philippines' position remains clear and consistent. Our maritime rights and entitlements are grounded in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award."

This statement was made following the DFA's rejection of assertions by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which questioned the arbitral ruling's validity. The ruling had nullified China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, which overlap with areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The NMC highlighted that the award continues to provide legal clarity on UNCLOS's interpretation and application, including the legal status of maritime features and the maritime entitlements of coastal states. It also reaffirmed the invalidity of maritime claims inconsistent with the convention.

"A decade after its issuance, the Award continues to provide legal clarity on the interpretation and application of UNCLOS," the council noted.

As the 10th anniversary of the ruling approaches on July 12, the NMC underscored the award's broader significance beyond the South China Sea dispute. It described the ruling as evidence that international disputes can be addressed and resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

The council also reiterated the Philippines' commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes while protecting its lawful maritime rights and interests.

The council concluded, "Upholding the Arbitral Award is not an obstacle to constructive relations among nations; rather, it strengthens legal certainty, promotes responsible State behavior, and contributes to regional peace, stability, and prosperity."