MANILA — The Philippines’ landmark victory against China in the South China Sea in 2016 is recalled in a new book launched Tuesday.

“The South China Sea Arbitration: Understanding the Awards and Debating with China” is written by international relations scholar Dr. Alfredo C. Robles Jr., jointly published by De La Salle University Publishing House and Sussex Academic Press in the United Kingdom.

The book was released on January 22, the same day six years ago that the Philippines formally notified China that it is taking the sea dispute to international court.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, one of the leading figures in Manila’s arbitration victory against China, said the book was an “informative, edifying and analytical piece which is a ‘must read’ for all Filipinos who love our country.”

“It is as well essential reading for all our friends around the world who have manifested interest in the most critical security in our region,” he said in his remarks.

Former President Benigno S. Aquino III also attended the book launch.

“Under the president’s mandate to defend what is ours, we were ultimately tasked to seek — as a last resort — a lawful and lasting resolution to the South China Sea disputed after all other peaceful means had been fully exhausted,” Del Rosario said.

The ruling, which came down on July 12, 2016, declared China’s nine-dash-line claims in the strategic sea route as invalid.

“Our arbitral victory was our contribution to the world in helping to promote an international rules-based system towards fostering peace, stability and prosperity for all,” the former Foreign Secretary said.

Philippines’ legal victory in South China Sea recalled in new book