The Philippines has proposed the inclusion of the 2016 arbitral ruling in Italy’s developing Indo-Pacific strategy.
This call was made during a recent hearing of the Italian Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Foreign Policy for the Indo-Pacific, focusing on the strategic roles of Italy and other European nations in the region.
Philippine Ambassador to Italy, Neal Imperial, emphasized the Indo-Pacific region’s “geostrategic importance and Italy’s crucial role in supporting the rule of law and a rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea.”
“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 said.
Expressing gratitude for Italy’s commitment for a free and open Indo-Pacific, Imperial acknowledged the G7 Apulia Leaders’ Communiqué issued on June 14 under Italy’s G7 presidency, which recognized the 2016 Arbitral Award as legally binding and the G7 condemnation of China’s harassment in its resupply mission.
Imperial echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s statement at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2024, asserting that the Philippines is a reliable partner committed to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
In response, President Formentini of the Sub-Committee acknowledged the tensions in the South China Sea and expressed its sympathy with the Philippines.
Formentini emphasized that the sovereignty of coastal states should not be threatened. He highlighted Italy’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Indo-Pacific countries, demonstrated by the deployment of the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour and the naval vessel Morosini to the South China Sea.
