14 Nations Issue Joint Statement on South China Sea Ruling Anniversary, Urge China's Compliance

On the 10th anniversary of the international arbitration ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, 14 countries, including Japan and the United States, have issued a joint statement. The statement unequivocally supports the ruling and urges China to adhere to international maritime law.

The landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declared that China's claims of historic rights over most of the South China Sea lacked legal basis under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The joint statement emphasizes that the arbitral tribunal's decision is final and binding under international law. The signatory nations stressed the importance of upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS, as the foundation for resolving maritime disputes peacefully and maintaining stability in the region.

This collective declaration serves as a diplomatic push to reinforce the legitimacy of the arbitration outcome and to counter China's continued assertions and activities in the disputed waters. The participating countries reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law.