Philippines Stands Firm Against SCS Coercion

The Philippines firmly rejects any attempts to undermine its national interests in the disputed South China Sea, according to National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano. Both the Philippines and China have accused each other of dangerous maneuvers near Second Thomas Shoal. Despite rejecting China's claims, the Philippines is committed to peaceful dialogue.

The Philippines rejects any attempt to undermine its national interests, especially by the use of force in the disputed South China Sea, said National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano on Friday.

For months, the Philippines and China have accused each other of dangerous manoeuvres near the contested Second Thomas Shoal, an atoll within Manila's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

'We reject any attempt to deny our strategic agencies, especially by the use of force that seeks to coerce and subordinate the national interests of the Philippines,' Ano stated at a forum marking the 8th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling that China's South China Sea claims have no legal basis. However, Ano emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

China does not recognize the 2016 court ruling. On Friday, the European Union issued a statement reaffirming the award's legally binding nature. China rebuked the EU's stance, accusing it of ignoring historical facts and endorsing what it described as the Philippines' violation of its sovereignty. U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken also expressed concern over China's actions, urging the PRC to adhere to the 2016 ruling and cease its destabilizing conduct.

(With inputs from agencies.)