MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines welcomed anew the G7 Foreign Ministers’ reaffirmation of their collective position on the South China Sea as communicated in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement and their Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, issued in Charlevoix, Canada on 14 March 2025, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a statement, the DFA acknowledged the G7’s “objection to illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions,” and appreciate its consistent expression of concern over the “increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons” against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.

The DFA also acknowledged the G7’s pronouncements on the importance of “coastal states refraining from unilateral actions” that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment, including land reclamation and the building of outposts, and attempts to change the status quo by the establishments of “new geographical facts.”

The statement pertained to China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China, including its massive reclamation efforts, concentrated in the Spratly Island groups, and the creation of “artificial islands” that fall under the disputed territories.

“We are likewise encouraged by the G7's consistent acknowledgment of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, further confirming its status as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law,” the DFA said.

The Philippines reiterated its solidarity with the G7 and its commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The Philippines likewise confirms its vision of the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity, and will continue to call for the cessation of interference, obstruction and harassment of the Philippines' legal activities within our recognized maritime entitlements, the DFA emphasized.