U.S. Pledges Strong Support for PHL in South China Sea Dispute

MANILA — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for the Philippines’ sovereignty in the South China Sea, underscoring the global significance of upholding international law.

Speaking at the Manila Dialogue on November 8, Carlson highlighted the U.S. commitment to a rules-based order amid rising tensions in the contested waters.

The Manila Dialogue, co-organized by the Philippine National Security Council, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Pacific Forum, brought together regional security experts and officials to address threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

During her address, Carlson emphasized the joint vision held by the U.S. and its allies for a “free, open, prosperous, connected, and resilient Indo-Pacific region,” and cited the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal decision as a pivotal moment in securing the Philippines’ rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Standing up for the rules-based order in the South China Sea is an integral part of advancing this shared vision,” Carlson stated.

Carlson criticized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its refusal to acknowledge the legally binding nature of the ruling, highlighting Beijing’s “might makes right” approach.

She described China’s use of aggressive tactics, including water cannons and ramming incidents near Ayungin Shoal, as dangerous provocations that undermine both regional stability and international law.

“These actions demonstrate a disregard for lives and livelihoods,” Carlson noted, adding that the consequences extend beyond the Philippines to affect other ASEAN coastal states, such as Vietnam and Indonesia.

“The PRC is unwilling to abide by international law – which rejects the PRC’s expansive maritime claims and supports the sovereign rights of the ASEAN South China Sea coastal States.”

In addition to legal and security concerns, Carlson addressed the substantial economic implications tied to the South China Sea, through which about $4 trillion (PHP 224 trillion) in global trade passes annually.

Carlson underscored that the region, accounting for 60% of global GDP and two-thirds of economic growth, relies heavily on maritime stability for ongoing prosperity.

Citing late Philippine statesman Albert del Rosario, Carlson reflected on the power of international law, saying, “‘Principles trump power; law triumphs over force; and right prevails over might.’”

Carlson noted an increasing show of support for the Philippines from the international community.

She referenced a ministerial discussion on maritime security held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, where over 20 nations voiced opposition to unlawful and escalatory conduct in the South China Sea.

“The collective voice of the international community is loud and getting louder,” she affirmed.

The U.S. pledge of support is part of ongoing efforts to reinforce regional alliances as the Philippines recently enacted landmark legislation— the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

Authored and co-sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda, these laws reinforce the Philippines’ maritime sovereignty, providing a clear legal framework for protecting its marine resources and upholding security in its waters.

Senator Legarda praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the legislation, stressing its importance in preserving marine resources and preventing environmental degradation. “I thank President Marcos for signing these laws,” Legarda said.

“The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act will not only safeguard the integrity of our national territory but also strengthen our legal and environmental frameworks for managing and protecting our seas.”

With the enactment of these laws, Legarda emphasized the significance of balancing global maritime trade with national and environmental security, reinforcing the Philippines’ position in regional maritime issues.

As Carlson concluded, she expressed confidence in the unity of international allies in supporting peace and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific, saying, “Together, as ‘friends, partners, and allies,’ with international law on our side, we are determined to protect the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.”