At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Philippines urged nations to denounce those violating international maritime law and engaging in aggressive actions that pose risks to maritime safety. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized the need for collective responsibility in maintaining peaceful, secure, and stable seas during a maritime forum attended by representatives from 40 countries, including the United States.
Lazaro pointed out the rising threats posed by illegal and aggressive sea activities, particularly from China, which has been accused of harassing Philippine vessels and endangering the safety of fisherfolk. In her address, she reiterated the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a guiding framework for international cooperation, stating that it is essential to reject actions that compromise the lives and safety of seafarers and the rights of fishing communities.
Emphasizing the need for dialogue on maritime issues, Lazaro called for the recognition of legally binding decisions from international courts, specifically referencing the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea. This landmark decision established the Philippines’s legal entitlements against China’s territorial assertions, which Beijing continues to disregard.
The South China Sea has seen increased confrontations between Philippine and Chinese naval forces, particularly as China asserts its claim over the area with a substantial naval presence. The Philippines, along with other claimant nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, has expressed concerns over China’s aggressive maneuvers, which further escalate tensions in the region.
Japan, one of the co-hosts of the maritime forum, stressed the importance of adhering to international law to maintain maritime order. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya highlighted UNCLOS as a crucial legal framework for governing oceanic activities, underscoring Japan’s commitment to collaborating with the international community to uphold a secure maritime environment.
Lazaro concluded by reiterating the necessity of reinforcing adherence to legal instruments governing maritime conduct, with UNCLOS being paramount among them. She called for continued bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation to protect freedom of navigation and overflight, which are vital for global trade and security. This cooperative approach aims to foster a stable maritime domain and ensure the safety of international waters.
In summary, the forum served as a platform for advocating adherence to maritime law and addressing aggressive actions that threaten safety and stability in the seas, with a clear call for countries to unite against violations while promoting peaceful resolutions to ongoing disputes.
Source link
