MANILA(July 13) — Ten years after the Philippines won its landmark arbitration case on the West Philippine Sea, the country’s legal victory is gaining renewed international momentum, with 14 nations reaffirming the ruling as final and binding while expanding practical support to help protect Philippine maritime rights.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 arbitral award, the Philippines joined the United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom in issuing a rare joint statement reaffirming their commitment to a free, peaceful, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
The countries stressed that the arbitral ruling remains “final, legally binding, and definitive” between the Philippines and China, reiterating that the decision found no legal basis for China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea based on so-called “historic rights.”
They also called on all parties to resolve maritime disputes peacefully under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while opposing coercive actions that threaten regional peace, including the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia vessels to harass lawful operations at sea.
From legal victory to stronger partnerships
Beyond diplomatic statements, the anniversary underscored how the Philippines is building stronger partnerships to translate international law into concrete action.
At a forum organized by the Stratbase Institute, ambassadors from more than 30 foreign missions gathered to discuss practical ways of strengthening the country’s maritime security through defense cooperation, joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, disaster response, cybersecurity, and maritime technology.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said defending international law requires more than declarations of support.
She emphasized that rules must be backed by capable partners, stronger defense cooperation, and the ability of like-minded nations to operate together whenever international law is challenged.
Australia announced plans to sign a new defense cooperation arrangement with Manila in 2026 while expanding assistance for maritime surveillance, cyber resilience, operational capabilities, and legal training.
The United Kingdom confirmed that it is negotiating its own visiting forces agreement with the Philippines and aims to participate directly in future military exercises after previously joining as an observer.
Canada also highlighted its newly signed visiting forces agreement with Manila, while committing to broader cooperation on maritime law, cybersecurity, climate security, and defense initiatives with ASEAN partners.
Expanding regional cooperation
Other partners outlined new initiatives aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ capacity to protect its maritime interests.
India announced that the Philippines has joined the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Center and will host the first India-Philippines disaster management exercise next month to improve emergency preparedness and crisis response.
Japan confirmed ongoing discussions on the possible transfer of Abukuma-class naval vessels and TC-90 training aircraft, while South Korea highlighted cooperation in offshore patrol vessels and local shipbuilding at the HD Hyundai Subic Shipyard.
New Zealand and the European Union also introduced maritime information-sharing systems that improve real-time monitoring and coordination, helping reduce the risk of incidents in contested waters.
A ruling that continues to matter
The July 12, 2016 arbitral award remains the legal foundation of the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea, affirming the country’s maritime entitlements under UNCLOS and rejecting China’s expansive claims.
A decade later, the ruling continues to shape international cooperation as more countries work with the Philippines to uphold freedom of navigation, protect the rule of law, and preserve peace and stability in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important waterways.
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said growing defense cooperation, joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic support demonstrate that safeguarding the West Philippine Sea is no longer a responsibility carried by the Philippines alone.
An institute-commissioned survey found that 86 percent of Filipinos support continuing to defend the West Philippine Sea alongside like-minded nations.
For millions of Filipinos, the anniversary serves as a reminder that the 2016 arbitral award was more than a legal triumph. It remains a powerful symbol of how international law, strengthened by global partnerships and national resolve, can help protect the country’s sovereign rights and contribute to a more secure and stable region.
