Philippines will hold firm on 2016 arbitral ruling against China, DFA secretary says

July 14, 2025 - 3:44 PM
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Philippine Marines fold a Philippine national flag during a flag retreat at the BRP Sierra Madre, a marooned transport ship in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014. (Reuters/Erik De Castro/File Photo/File Photo/File Photo)

— The Philippines will remain firm in its position on the 2016 arbitral ruling that found China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis, its foreign affairs secretary said on Monday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro also said the Philippines has “strong” communication lines with China.

—Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema; Editing by David Stanway