EU, Canada reaffirm support for 'legally binding' 2016 arbitral ruling

From CNN Philippines (Jul 11, 2023): EU, Canada reaffirm support for 'legally binding' 2016 arbitral ruling (By Tristan Nodalo, CNN Philippines)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 11) — The European Union (EU) and the Canadian government reaffirmed their support for the Philippines in upholding the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that debunked China's sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the landmark decision, the EU maintained that the arbitral award is legally binding.

"The Award of the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings, and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties," the EU said in a statement.

"The EU reiterates the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea], in particular the freedoms of navigation and overflight," it added.

The EU also stressed its commitment to secure, free, and open maritime supply routes in the Indo-Pacific and urged all parties to comply with international law.

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Canada: 2016 arbitral ruling needs to be enforced

Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said Canada has been very vocal when it comes to its support for the arbitral ruling.

"The 2016 arbitral ruling needs to be enforced and it is legally binding that it be included in the international law, we have always been strong in our position… and we have been an active vocal proponent on the enforcement of it, encouraging all parties involved to respect the ruling," Hartman told CNN Philippines.

"Canada, like many members of the international community, is crystal clear on that. We very much support the government of the Philippines in its all efforts to enforce your territorial integrity," it added.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/12/EU--Canada-reaffirm-support-for--legally-binding--2016-arbitral-ruling.html