The Philippines has expressed gratitude for the support from the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers regarding ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has acknowledged the G7’s commitment to the principles of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which discredits China’s expansive maritime claims.
The DFA highlighted the G7’s condemnation of China’s aggressive tactics, including the harassment of Philippine vessels by the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia, which involved dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons. “The G7’s reaffirmation of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a significant milestone and a useful basis for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes is greatly appreciated,” the DFA stated.
In their recent communiqué addressing global challenges, the G7 explicitly opposed China’s actions in the South China Sea, emphasizing that China has no legal grounds for its territorial claims. They reiterated the binding nature of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal’s decision and promoted it as a fundamental element for peacefully resolving such disputes.
This international backing comes at a critical time as tensions continue to escalate in the region, with China claiming nearly the entire South China Sea—a vital maritime route through which over $3 trillion worth of trade passes annually. This claim conflicts with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. The disputed waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone have been designated as the West Philippine Sea.
The support from the G7 is seen as a significant boost to the Philippines in its ongoing efforts to uphold its sovereign rights and foster peace in the region amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.