Fourteen countries led by the United States reaffirmed on Sunday that China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under international law, marking the 10th anniversary of a landmark arbitration ruling that Beijing has consistently rejected.In a joint statement, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia said the July 12, 2016 award by an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) remains “final, legally binding and definitive.” The 27-member European Union issued a separate statement calling the decision a “historic” decision in the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.However, China reiterated that the decision was “invalid and void” and said it “neither accepts nor recognizes” the tribunal’s decision.
What was said in the 2016 decision
The arbitration case was initiated by the Philippines in 2013 following the standoff with China over the Scarborough Shoal. Although Beijing declined to participate in the proceedings, the tribunal proceeded under UNCLOS and delivered its decision on July 12, 2016.The tribunal ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, concluding that China’s claim to historic rights over much of the South China Sea under the so-called “nine-dash line” has no legal basis. It also found that many maritime features claimed by China do not create an extensive maritime zone under international law.The ruling did not decide questions of sovereignty over the islands or reefs, but clarified maritime rights under UNCLOS, which has been ratified by more than 170 parties, including both China and the Philippines.Why does the South China Sea matter?The South China Sea is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, carrying approximately one-third of global maritime trade each year. It is believed to contain significant reserves of oil, natural gas and rich fishing grounds.China claims sovereignty over almost the entire sea, overlapping with the claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Competing claims have made the region one of Asia’s most volatile security flashpoints.
Countries warn against coercion
The 14 countries said “there is no legal basis for China’s extensive maritime claims”, including claims based on alleged historical rights, and reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability.“We reiterate our strong opposition to any destabilizing or unilateral actions, including force or pressure, that threaten peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.Countries also criticized the use of coast guard vessels, military aircraft and maritime militias to intimidate or disrupt the legitimate activities of other states, saying such actions endanger lives and undermine regional security. They called for disputes to be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, reaffirming the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight.
China again rejected the decision
Responding to the joint statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said the arbitral tribunal and its award “seriously violate the general practice of international arbitration” and violate China’s sovereign rights under UNCLOS.The ministry said China “opposes and will never accept any claims or actions based on those awards” and reiterated that Beijing does not accept third-party dispute resolution or externally imposed solutions regarding the South China Sea.
stress remains high
The renewed diplomatic support for the arbitration ruling comes amid an ongoing standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed waters. In recent years, Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly been accused of using water cannons, military-grade lasers and evasive maneuvers against Philippine resupply missions and fishing vessels.Separately, foreign envoys meeting in Manila called for stronger maritime cooperation, including joint exercises, intelligence sharing and capacity building, to improve maritime domain awareness and maintain the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.The United States has repeatedly urged Beijing to abide by the 2016 decision and reaffirmed that its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines applies to armed attacks on Philippine forces, ships or aircraft operating in the South China Sea.