17 March 2015

The supplemental submission was conveyed to the Arbitral Tribunal on Monday, March 16.

We recall that on 16 December 2014, the Arbitral Tribunal submitted 26 questions to the Philippines requesting additional argument and information. The questions relate to issues concerning both the tribunal’s jurisdiction and the merits of the Philippines’ claims, including the Philippines’ principled claim challenging the lawfulness of China’s so-called “nine-dash line”.

The Philippines has submitted detailed responses and extensive additional information. The submission consists of 12 volumes totaling over 3,000 pages. Volume I consists of 200 pages of written argument. Volume II consists of a 200-page Atlas containing detailed information about 49 islands, reefs and other features in the South China Sea.

Preparing such an extensive submission in such short order required substantial effort and coordination from relevant concerned agencies.

The Philippines appreciates the evident care and attention the Tribunal is giving to the case, as reflected by the scope and detail of the Tribunal’s questions. The Tribunal has managed, with utmost professionalism, the difficulties created by China’s decision not to appear, taking care to make sure neither side is prejudiced by that decision.

The Philippines is confident that its answers to the Tribunal’s questions leave no doubt that the Tribunal has jurisdiction over the case and that the Philippines claims, including in particular its claims concerning the nine-dash line, are well-founded in fact and law. END