Philippines wins case against China

The decision of the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration based in the Hague stating that China had no historic title over the South China Sea and that it violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its exclusive economic zone is a great victory for the Philippines and its government. The international tribunal held that China interfered with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration by constructing artificial islands and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone.

The Benigno S. Aquino administration lodged the suit against Beijing in 2013 and the tribunal released its much –awaited ruling on July 12, 2016. China refused to participate in the court’s process saying that it opposes and will never accept any claim or action by the Hague tribunal.

Foreign affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. welcomed the ruling as a “milestone decision” that upholds the international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).However, he advised restraint and sobriety to all those concerned adding that the Philippines will pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes with a view to promoting peace and stability in the region.