The Philippines is actively seeking international support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) ahead of the tenth anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Addressing the United Nations, Philippine representatives requested member states to reaffirm UNCLOS as the governing legal framework for all ocean-related matters. This move is widely interpreted as a response to ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, particularly concerning China’s expansive territorial claims. The Philippines hopes reinforcing UNCLOS will provide a stronger legal basis for resolving these disputes peacefully. The 2016 arbitral award, which China rejects, ruled in favor of the Philippines regarding its rights in the South China Sea. By emphasizing UNCLOS, the Philippines aims to bolster international law and maintain stability in the region. This call for reaffirmation underscores the importance of a rules-based order in the contested waters.