People’s Daily joins Beijing blitz against Philippines over 2016 South China Sea ruling

China's official newspaper, People's Daily, has launched a rhetorical campaign against the Philippines concerning the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. Ahead of the ruling's tenth anniversary, the newspaper published commentaries labeling the decision a "destabilising force" and urging Manila to engage in direct talks. This initiative follows a broader effort by Beijing, including critiques of Philippine maritime claims by a Ministry of Natural Resources think tank and a state assessment of UNCLOS warning of "abusive practices." China rejects the 2016 ruling as "illegal."

The Philippines commemorated the 10th anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro stated the ruling is legally binding, comparing it to a "lighthouse" in turbulent waters. China, which refused to participate in the arbitration and rejected the ruling as a "sham," continues to assert its claims over virtually the entire sea passage. The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, has urged China to comply with the decision and warned it is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces come under armed attack in the disputed waters. Territorial confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces have become more frequent in recent years.