UPHOLD INTERNATIONAL RULES-BASED ORDER IN PROTECTING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

1. China has laid expansive claims to significant portions of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), asserting "indisputable sovereignty." This has led to heightened tensions and confrontations over the sovereignty of various islands, reefs, and shoals. The Philippines successfully challenged China's actions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), resulting in a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line and affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
2. Despite the tribunal's ruling, China has continued its aggressive actions, highlighting the need for a strong international response to uphold the international rules-based order. Other ASEAN nations, including Vietnam and Malaysia, have also faced Chinese aggression in their maritime territories, leading to significant economic and environmental impacts on their fishing and oil exploration activities.
3. In response to these ongoing challenges, the ATIN ITO! (This is Ours!) Coalition led by Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party and Akbayan Youth was formed, comprising social movements, youth, non-government organizations, fisherfolk groups, artists, citizens, Church leaders, and entrepreneurs. This coalition aims to protect the rights and livelihoods of fisherfolk and frontliners in the WPS.
4. The historic “Civilian-led Convoy Supply Mission” to the Ayungin Shoal in December 2023 and to the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal in March 2024, and the May 2025 Concert for Peace, demonstrated the power of unity and solidarity among Filipinos in defending their maritime rights.

Therefore, we urge the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY):

5. To strongly support the ATIN ITO! Coalition and its initiatives to protect the rights and livelihoods of fisherfolk and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea.
6. To emphasize the importance of the international rules-based order in resolving maritime disputes and to call for the global community to stand in solidarity with ASEAN nations affected by China's maritime aggression, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
7. To urge the international community to raise global awareness about the plight of affected communities and to support peaceful and lawful actions to uphold international law and maintain regional stability.
8. To advocate for collective, peaceful, and meaningful efforts to assert entitlements based
9. on international laws and agreements, ensuring the protection of sovereignty and the maintenance of peace and security in the Asia Pacific region.