
By: Elena Grace Flores
UNTV News and Rescue
[VIDEO]: China Insists that Arbitral Ruling is Illegal
China War as an Option
Former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario is banking on President Bongbong Marcos’ promise that he would fight for the country’s sovereignty. This is when it comes to the arbitral ruling of the Hague that favors the Philippines over the South China Sea claim. But China war is not an option yet. President Marcos may decide again after all diplomatic means are exhausted.
Illegal, Null, and Void
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the award of the South China Sea arbitration is against international law. This includes the UNCLOS, he added. The Chinese government does not accept or recognize it. They continue to insist that it is illegal, null, and void.
The Response of the Marcos Administration
DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo firmly explained that they strongly oppose attempts to undermine the said ruling. It cannot be erased from the law, history, and collective memories. They continue to seek support from other countries that honor the award. This can probably mean the start of the China war. However, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez assures the people that diplomatic means still stand at this time.