MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines commemorated on Friday the anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea and which Washington and other allies have used as a rallying call against Beijing’s growing assertiveness.China refused to join the arbitration initiated by the Philippines in 2013, and rejected as a sham the July 12, 2016 ruling by a tribunal established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.Beijing continues to defy the decision and defend its claims to virtually the entire sea passage, a key global trade route where the territorial standoffs, which also involve the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, have long been feared as one of Asia’ most active flashpoints.The United States has repeatedly called on China to comply with the ruling. Both the former Biden and current Trump administrations have warned that Washington is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, vessels or aircraft come under an armed attack in the disputed waters.Territorial confrontations in the disputed waters have become more prevalent in recent years, particularly between Chinese and Philippine and Vietnamese forces and fishing fleets.
Philippines commemorates 2016 South China Sea ruling rejected by Beijing
The Philippines has commemorated the anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea.
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