China’s non-recognition of the 2016 arbitral award which upheld the Philippines’ unique financial zone over the Asian energy’s claims “is the biggest problem that we are facing.”
Australian Ambassador HK Yu made the comment in an unique interview with GMA Integrated News’ Vicky Morales whereas discussing the primary amphibious joint navy train between Philippine and Australian forces.
Asked about China’s view that workouts within the area should not intrude with the disputes within the South China Sea, Yu stated, “Well this is where the rules-based order is so important.”
“When the international law makes a decision on those disputes then it is all our responsibility to adhere to that, to not challenge it but to adhere to it,” Yu stated.
“The rule was that the whole West Philippine Sea is within the EEZ of the Philippines, then it is actually upon all of us to respect the decisions that are made by the international law,” she added.
Told that China did not even acknowledge the arbitral ruling, Yu stated, “And I think that is the biggest problem we are facing.” —NB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
