Philippines · UNGA 81 speech
Representative
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Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, the Philippines takes the floor once again in exercise of its right of reply. We have taken note of the statement made in response to our earlier intervention. and the Philippines does not intend to engage in prolonged exchange. It is necessary, however, to place several matters clearly on the record. The legal position is well established. The 2016 South China Sea arbitral award was rendered by a tribunal constituted pursuant to Annex VII of the UNCLOS. Under Article 296 of UNCLOS and Article 11 of Annex VII, The award is final and shall be complied with by the parties to the dispute. The tribunal acted authoritatively within its jurisdiction over matters governed by the UNCLOS. States have joined the Philippines in reiterating that the award is final, legally binding, and definitive between the Philippines and China concerning the maritime entitlements and claims decided by the tribunal. Further, There is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims, including claims based on historic rights, and that the freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea under UNCLOS must be respected. Moreover, the states oppose coercive or destabilizing conduct, including the use of coast guard, military, or maritime militia forces to harass or obstruct lawful operations. and the parties should abide by the award and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law. The fact that one party does not accept the award does not alter its legal character or the obligations arising from it, nor can unilateral assertions or subsequent domestic measures modify the maritime entitlements established under UNCLOS. The Philippines likewise rejects any suggestion that its lawful exercise of sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction constitutes provocation. The relevant question is whether the conduct of states is consistent with their obligations under international law. In this regard, the Philippines remains concerned by actions at sea that interfere with the exercise of its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones. and that create risks to Philippine vessels and personnel. These concerns are not resolved by competing assertions of sovereignty or by the characterization of Philippine activities under another state's domestic law. The Philippines' position remains unchanged. Maritime claims and entitlements in the South China Sea must be determined in accordance with UNCLOS. and disputes must be addressed through peaceful means consistent with the charter of the United Nations and international law. The Philippines remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy. Such engagement must proceed on the basis of international law and with full respect for the rights and obligations of all states concerned. Thank you, Mr. President.