Lazaro criticizes China's rejection of 2016 ruling at forum

Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro criticized China on Friday, July 11, for its continued rejection of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling in the South China Sea.

Lazaro emphasized at a Stratbase ADRI forum that the ruling remains crucial to regional stability and maritime rights but faces ongoing challenges from Chinese actions.

She highlighted China's 'revisionist, self-serving interpretation' of international law and reaffirmed the award’s significance for Philippine maritime policy.

The foreign secretary stressed the importance of continued dialogue with China through mechanisms like Foreign Ministry Consultations and the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea.

Lazaro also noted that the Philippines will leverage partnerships to assert its rights, including potential security cooperation agreements with allies.