NSA Año Praises G7’s Firm Stance Against Chinese Actions in South China Sea

MANILA — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año commended the G7 nations for their strong stance against what he described as China’s aggressive maritime actions in the South China Sea, underscoring their commitment to international law and the rules-based order.

According to Philippines News Agency, Italy, which expressed strong opposition to attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas through force or coercion, reaffirms international legal standards and the principles of free navigation. “The resolute stance of the G7 nations…is a significant affirmation of the principles of international law and the rules-based international order,” Año stated on Saturday.

The NSA highlighted the communique’s condemnation of specific aggressive tactics such as the use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels, noting this recognition plays a critical role in validating the threats faced by the Philippines in regional maritime disputes.

Año also rejected the legal basis for China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea and aligned the Philippines with the G7’s opposition to China’s militarization and coercive practices in the area. He stressed the importance of adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the fundamental legal framework governing maritime activities.

Additionally, Año underscored the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, reaffirmed by the G7, as legally binding and essential for the peaceful resolution of disputes. “The G7’s reiteration of the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award is a vital reminder that this ruling is legally binding. It serves as a crucial basis for the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he elaborated.

The National Security Adviser expressed the Philippines’ eagerness to continue collaborating with the G7 and other international partners to promote peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea region. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the G7 and the international community in general in upholding maritime law and ensuring that the South China Sea remains a zone of peace, freedom, and cooperation,” Año concluded.