SUMMARY
MANILA, Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday, July 12, emphasized the country’s “commitment to peace” despite superpower China’s “unlawful actions which have caused serious incidents in the South China Sea” as the Philippines commemorates the 8th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The Award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” said Manalo in a statement.
The 2016 Arbitral Award, handed down in the early weeks of the previous Duterte administration, rejected China’s wide 9-dash-line claim over most of the South China Sea, scored China for its harassment of Philippine vessels, and said Beijing had ruined the marine environment in those waters because of its island-build…