The United States and 13 other countries have reaffirmed the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the South China Sea, describing it as a final and legally binding decision between the Philippines and China as they marked its 10th anniversary.
In a joint statement released on July 11, the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, the Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom reiterated their commitment to maintaining a free, open, peaceful, and rules-based Indo-Pacific anchored in international law.
The signatories emphasized that maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They also reaffirmed that the July 12, 2016 ruling issued by the Arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII of UNCLOS remains "final, legally binding, and definitive" with respect to the maritime entitlements and claims addressed between the Philippines and China.
"We reaffirm the Arbitral Tribunal's decision that there is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on 'historic rights'," the statement read.
The countries underscored the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other internationally lawful uses of the sea consistent with UNCLOS.
The joint statement also expressed strong opposition to unilateral and destabilizing actions, including the use of force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in the region. It further opposed the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations at sea or in the air.
The signatories urged all parties to abide by the 2016 arbitral award and settle disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms under international law.
They likewise reiterated their support for ASEAN's vision of the South China Sea as a region of peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity driven by lawful commerce.
