By PROUT
The Philippines marked the 7th anniversary of the ruling in its favor by the Permanent Court of Arbitration last 12 July 2023.
The well-documented presentation by former Supreme Court Justice Carpio argues very clearly that it is the Philippines, not China, that has historical rights to the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea.
He clearly proved, even using official Chinese records, that the claim of China is based on a set of lies. Hence, the ruling in favor of the Philippines.
As far as international agreements go, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982, which was signed by 167 nations, China and Philippines included, is the one applicable to settle the dispute. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also made this position clear.
From a broad perspective, the entire world is the patrimony of human beings from Providence; it is our right to enjoy its resources, but it is also our duty to share it among ourselves.
But until the time comes when the whole world becomes one nation, international agreements and historical territories must be respected out of decency and in the interest of peace.**
