30 May 2016

The Philippines has taken note of the G7 Ise-Shima Leaders’ Declaration issued following the G7 Summit in Ise-Shima, Japan on 26-27 May 2016.

The Declaration addressed major global economic and political challenges, including maritime security.

The Philippines welcomes the statement as it underlines the G7’s abiding commitment to support efforts to peacefully manage and settle the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, through mechanisms recognized by international law, including legal procedures such as arbitration. The Philippines reiterates that it will fully respect the outcome of the tribunal process in good faith.

We consider the G7’s position to be of critical significance as the international community awaits the outcome of the arbitral process that was initiated in 2013 with respect to the South China Sea.

The G7’s consistent and firm position on this matter reflects the international community’s understanding and support for the Philippines’ principled and rules-based approach for addressing disputes in the South China Sea. END