MANILA, Philippines — The South China Sea "must never be an arena of conflict," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday, as the country commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China's sweeping nine-dash line claim in the West Philippine Sea.
In his speech during the diplomatic reception at the Conrad Manila in Pasay City, Marcos said there would be lasting peace, "when it is anchored on justice, mutual respect, and the sovereign equality of all nations."
"We hold a simple but unwavering conviction. The South China Sea must never be an arena of conflict. It must remain a sea of peace, cooperation, and connectivity. A body of water that sustains livelihoods, fosters trade, protects marine biodiversity, and unites rather than divides our nations," Marcos said.
The President also stressed that the 2016 arbitral award is not just about the country's triumph but also about the the coastal communities and fisherfolk who "deserve to fish in peace."
"When we defend the rule of law, we are not merely defending lines on a map. We are defending the lives, the livelihoods, and the future of our people," he said.
