Who Filed the Arbitration Against China? Aquino Legacy: The Arbitral Tribunal's Triumph

 

The Role of Arbitration Decisions and ASEAN in Addressing China's Island Developments

ASEAN Unity Despite Dependence on China

In an interview, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino discussed the complexities surrounding the arbitration filed against China regarding its island-building activities. He highlighted the uncertainty about which administration initiated the campaign among ASEAN countries and who issued the critical statements. Despite the significant economic dependence of many ASEAN economies on China, the region successfully issued a crucial joint statement reflecting their collective stance.

The Role of the Arbitral Tribunal

The Philippines' efforts in filing for arbitration were recognized by the tribunal body, marking a pivotal change in the situation. Both China and the Philippines are signatories to the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which means that the decisions of the arbitral panel must be followed. The existence of international agreements and their enforcement has a substantial impact on regional dynamics.

Ensuring International Compliance

It is now clear that the situation has significantly changed from before. The agreements signed by these countries are not merely formalities but must be adhered to. Compliance is not just a matter of following the law but also a crucial part of maintaining peace and order in the region.

The role of the arbitral tribunal and ASEAN unity demonstrates their capability to face challenges, especially on issues concerning rights and territories. The decisions of the arbitral panel are a step towards a stronger foundation for unity and cooperation in the region, with significant implications for the future of ASEAN and its relations with China.

President Noynoy Aquino FULL Statement

Wala akong ginawa? I don't know who filed the arbitration, who campaigned amongst the ASEAN countries, which administration produced the communique or the statements that were critical for all of this building, island developing by China. We started out to a large degree at Vietnam lang ang kakampi natin at di pang makasama all the time. In so many economies, ASEAN were so dependent on China.

But that didn't stop us from securing a joint statement. Yung arbitration tinrabaho din natin yun. Tsaka nandon na yung tinanggap namin ang responsibilidad na pag nag negative sa atin to, sa amin ang responsibilidad kung lalo pang napasama sitwasyon ng Pilipinas.

Buti naman, tama yung pinaglaban natin, sinang ayunan tayo ng tribunal body at iba na sitwasyon ngayon, dati yung inaangkin ng China, at inaangkin natin, parang pareho lang halaga. Ngayon, hindi. Pareho tayo signatory sa convention on the law of the sea.

Ito yung arbitral panel na itinalaga don sa convention na yun at nag salita na sila. Pwede na natin sabihin sa ibang bansa yon. Meron silang nilagdaan na kasunduhan, di yata sila sumusunod.

Pwede ba kayong komportable diyan? May epekto yun eh. Pero depende, katulad ng anong mang bagay kung paano mo gagamitin.