Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. gives a talk on the South China Sea Arbitration Case (Istanbul PCG photo).

ISTANBUL, 30 September 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in İstanbul, the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, and the Boğaziçi University Political Science and International Relations Club (BUPOLS), with the support of the Boğaziçi University, organized an event entitled, "Talk on the Relevance of the Rule of Law in the South China Sea: The Philippine Experience in the South China Sea Arbitration Case" on 30 September 2024 at the Demir Demirgil Hall of Boğazici University. Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye, Henry S. Bensurto Jr., served as the keynote speaker.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil emphasized how the geopolitical dynamics of the South China Sea may seem distant from the everyday lives of those living in the Marmara Region, but their implications are crucial not just to regional, but global peace.  For the Philippines, the  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award are the twin anchors of foreign policy.

Ambassador Bensurto, who served as Lead Counsel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) component of the Philippine Legal Team on the South China Sea Arbitration case, shared his extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the Case and discussed the historical, legal, and geopolitical context in the region. 

The Ambassador discussed the 15 submissions of the Philippines before the Tribunal, including the supplemental 16th submission made by Taiwan on Itu Aba, as the largest feature in the South China Sea.

With the aid of illustrative maps, Ambassador Bensurto showed how the 2016 Arbitral Award clarified the disputed areas of the South China Sea. As the character of the maritime features in the South China Sea were clarified by the Tribunal as not islands entitled to 200 nautical miles, but as mere rocks or low tide elevations, then the maritime entitlements they generated became clear. 

Prior to the Arbitration, out of about 550,000 square kilometers of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), around 540,000 square meters was disputed. After Arbitration, only about 13,000 square kilometers of Philippine EEZ remain disputed. 

Ambassador Bensurto concluded his talk by discussing the proposed way forward, the Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Cooperation (ZoPFFC), which was officially submitted by the Philippines to ASEAN in 2011. In the areas that remain disputed between claimant states, there may be a Joint Cooperation Area governed by a Code of Conduct agreed upon by the parties.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by BUPOLS student representative, Mr. Muhammed Taha Yıldırım. Participants shared their insights and posed questions on the broader implications of the Arbitration Award on the region and the international community.

The event drew participation from over 80 diplomats, legal experts, and members of the academe in Istanbul. It provided a platform for a deeper understanding of the situation in the South China Sea and the pivotal role of the rule of law in addressing international conflicts.

This timely discussion reinforced the Philippines' commitment to upholding the rule of law and contributed to raising awareness of the situation in the South China Sea in the international arena. The activity also forms part of the Embassy and the Consulate General’s commemoration of the 2024 Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo). 

For further information, please contact: Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Philippine Embassy in Ankara (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) END

  Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil delivers the opening remarks, expressing gratitude to the BUPOLS and highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue on maritime issues. (Photo by Boğazici University).

 Mr. Mustafa Eren Köse responds on behalf of the students, conveying their appreciation for the insightful discussions and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue. (Photo by Boğazici University).

 Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. provides his first-hand experience on the South China Sea Arbitration Case (Photo by Boğazici University).

 Mr. Muhammed Taha Yıldırım from BUPOLS introduces himself as the program moderator and also introduces the keynote speaker (Photo by Boğazici University).