On April 21, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced that it welcomed the G7's support for Manila in the East Sea issues with China.
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| Recently, tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have increased, especially in the Second Thomas Shoal area. (Source: AFP) |
"We appreciate the G7's support in rejecting China's baseless and expansive claims and the G7's call for Beijing to cease its illegal activities, particularly the use of its coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea to conduct dangerous operations and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels," the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
The DFA stressed that the G7’s affirmation of the 2016 Arbitral Award was a “milestone” and a useful basis for the peaceful management and resolution of maritime differences. “Respect for international law, in particular the recognized maritime rights of coastal states in the South China Sea and the freedom of navigation enjoyed by the international community, is essential to ensuring global prosperity, peace and stability,” the DFA said.
The DFA also called for joint efforts to achieve a peaceful South China Sea. “We want to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous South China Sea, and an end to interference, obstruction and harassment of the Philippines’ lawful activities in our recognized maritime entitlements,” the DFA added.
“The Philippines shares the G7’s vision of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and firmly opposes any action that undermines international security and stability,” the DFA concluded.
The three-day G7 summit began on April 17 on the island of Capri in southern Italy, where Italy is holding the rotating presidency. At the end of the summit, the group issued a statement condemning China’s continued “militarization, coercion and intimidation” in the South China Sea.
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