External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar standing alongside Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Manila, has restated New Delhi’s support for the Philippines in approving its national sovereignty.
The development comes after tensions in the South China Sea, as actions by the China Coast Guard against a Philippines boat near Ayungin Shoal on March 23 provoked international concern.
EAM S Jaishankar said emphasising the significance of adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the cornerstone of maritime governance, ‘I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate Bharat’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty’.
The South China Sea Arbitration of 2016, which ruled in support of the Philippines against China, serves as a legal framework strengthening the Philippines’ claims over Ayungin Shoal and clarifying maritime entitlements in the region.
The Bharatiya minister signified, ‘We are also convinced that the development of this region is best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order. UNCLOS 1982 is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas. All parties must adhere to it in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit’.
In a joint presser, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo highlighted the harassment faced by Filipino vessels near Ayungin Shoal and underscored the backing of over 20 countries, emphasising the finality of the 2016 award.
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