By Ignacio Bunye
The June 14, 2024 Communiqué from the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Apulia, Italy, has once again brought attention to the escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
As the world’s leading industrialized democracies, the G7 leaders expressed serious concern about China’s behavior in the region, particularly its “dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia” and its interference with high seas freedom of navigation.
At the heart of the matter lies China’s expansive maritime claims, which the G7 unequivocally rejects. Citing the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, the G7 leaders reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China’s sweeping territorial assertions.
This ruling, which is legally binding upon the parties involved, serves as a crucial reference point for peacefully resolving maritime disputes.
China’s claims extend far beyond its own borders, encroaching upon areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Ayungin Shoal, where the grounded ship BRP Sierra Madre remains, has been a focal point of tension.
Just weeks prior to the G7 Summit, the Philippine government completed a successful resupply mission to the stranded vessel in a symbolic assertion of Philippine territorial rights and sovereignty.
By publicly expressing concern and opposition to China’s actions in the South China Sea, the G7 leaders are exerting diplomatic pressure. This sends a signal to China that its behavior is being closely monitored by influential nations.
The G7’s reference to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling underscores the importance of adhering to international law. It reaffirms that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) provides the legal framework for resolving maritime disputes, emphasizing a rules-based approach.
The G7’s acknowledgment of China’s actions against Filipino vessels highlights solidarity with regional allies. It encourages countries like the Philippines to continue asserting their rights and sovereignty in the face of Chinese intimidation. The South China Sea is a critical region for global trade and security. The G7’s statement emphasizes the need for stability, as any escalation could impact regional and global dynamics.
While the G7’s stance aims to prevent unilateral changes by force, it also raises the risk of further tensions. True enough, China perceived G7’s communique as interference and responded more assertively, potentially escalating the situation.
Just three days later (June 17, 2024), China engaged in escalatory actions which resulted to serious injury to a Filipino trooper.
US State Secretary Antony Blinken responded by emphasizing the United States’ unwavering commitment to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty, highlighting that China’s actions undermine regional peace and stability.
The situation underscores the importance of the US-Philippines alliance in the Indo-Pacific.
Notably, the 72-year-old defense treaty between Manila and Washington, which obliges mutual defense against foreign aggression, has never been operationalized.
Analysts now view the South China Sea as a potential testing ground for this commitment./WDJ