The leadership of the Philippine Navy welcomed on Sunday the recognition by France, Germany and the United Kingdom of the 2016 tribunal ruling that validates the Philippines’ claim over South China (West Philippine) Sea.

VAdm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, Navy chief, was referring to the joint note verbale by the European countries, making a stand as state parties to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), which acknowledges the freedom of passage in international waters.

“We welcome the statement of support given by France, Germany and the UK on the narratives of the ruling made by the PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) when it ruled in favor of the Philippines,” he told reporters.

“We are one with the community of nations in ensuring a continuing freedom of navigation across this vast maritime zone,” he added.

Bacordo, however, pointed out that the note verbale “has no bearing” on the enforcement of the 2016 tribunal ruling that China refuses to recognize.

“The issue is compliance to the ruling among signatory nations to the Unclos,” he said.

The note verbale addressed to the UN and dated September 16 challenges Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea and supported the PCA ruling that favored Manila.
The three countries also committed to continue to uphold and assert rights and freedoms enshrined in Unclos “to contribute to promoting cooperation in the region as set out under the Convention.”

They said all maritime claims over the disputed South China Sea “should be made and peacefully resolved in accordance with the principles and rules of Unclos.”

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/21/news/top-stories/navy-welcomes-support-for-south-china-sea-ruling/770220/