Philippines Cites 2016 Arbitral Ruling as Driver for Defense Modernization and Alliances

The Philippine Department of National Defense Secretary has stated that the 2016 arbitral award, which rejected China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, has been crucial for transforming the country's armed forces. The ruling has prompted the Philippines to develop a multi-domain defense strategy and deepen its military cooperation with international allies. This shift is evident in recent large-scale joint military exercises.