The Philippines has requested the inclusion of the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, into Italy's Indo-Pacific security strategy, according to Manila's top envoy to Rome.
Ambassador Neal Imperial spoke before Italian lawmakers about Italy's efforts to develop a security strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. During the hearing, Imperial emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and a rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, as per the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award favoring the Philippines over China.
"We welcome Italy's interest in charting its own Indo-Pacific strategy. We expect Italy, as a major stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific, to support the rule of law and a rules-based order in our region," Imperial told lawmakers.
Imperial was the sole ambassador invited to the Italian Parliament's Sub-Committee on Foreign Policy for the Indo-Pacific hearing, where he underscored the geostrategic importance of the region and the need for all stakeholders, including Italy, to ensure unfettered access to the disputed waters amidst China's growing assertiveness.
Imperial reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stance that the Philippines is a reliable partner with full agency, not merely a pawn in a geopolitical game, committed to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Committee President Paolo Formentini acknowledged the high tensions and risks in the South China Sea, expressing sympathy for the challenges faced by the Philippines. He highlighted Italy's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, evidenced by the deployment of the aircraft carrier Cavour and naval vessel Morosini to the South China Sea.
Formentini praised the Philippines' interventions, which he found valuable for the Sub-Committee's strategy formulation efforts. Imperial thanked Italy for its consistent support and recognition of the 2016 Arbitral Award, as affirmed in the G7 Apulia Leaders' Communiqué.
The G7, comprising Italy, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Japan, has condemned China's harassment of Philippine vessels. Recent confrontations at Ayungin Shoal and other South China Sea areas have raised fears of escalating conflicts involving the United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines.
On June 17, the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and harassed Filipino Navy personnel delivering supplies, resulting in several injuries, including one severe injury. The U.S. has reiterated its treaty obligation to defend the Philippines against hostile armed attacks.
President Marcos affirmed the Philippines' commitment to protecting its sovereignty through peaceful means. Manila recently announced a crucial arrangement with China to avoid altercations at Ayungin Shoal, although details remain undisclosed.
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