The European Union flag. (File photo from Agence France-Presse) MANILA, Philippines — The European Union delegation in the Philipines and 16 of the 27 EU member countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday reaffirming their support for the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration recognizing the Philippines' rights over the West Philippine Sea. The ruling — which marks its seventh anniversary on Wednesday, July 12 — invalidated the claim of China using its nine-dash line. The case was filed by the Philippines under the administration of Benigno Aquino III in 2013, and the ruling came out during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/216399/eu-16-member-states-reaffirm-support-for-wps-arbitral-ruling-on-7th-year

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