China Rejects U.S. and Allies' Statement on South China Sea Ruling

China has forcefully rejected a joint statement by the United States, the Philippines, and several allied nations that marked the 10th anniversary of an international tribunal ruling. The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated Beijing's expansive claims in the South China Sea, declaring them to have no legal basis under international law.

Beijing's Foreign Ministry stated that China "firmly" upholds its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the disputed waterway. The ministry vowed to take "resolute" measures to defend its interests against what it termed infringements and provocations by certain countries. China has consistently rejected the arbitration award and opposes any actions based upon it.

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China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing "firmly" upholds its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the disputed waterway and will take "resolute" measures to defend its interests against what it described as infringements and provocations by certain countries.

In its response, China accused the United States and other external powers of escalating their military presence in the South China Sea. Beijing characterized these actions as militarization, coercion, and efforts to inflame regional tensions. The ministry asserted that China remains committed to resolving disputes through negotiations and consultations with directly concerned countries, adhering to international law to preserve peace and stability in the strategically vital region.

The South China Sea remains one of the world's busiest shipping routes, a critical artery for global trade. Tensions persist as China and the Philippines continue to assert overlapping territorial claims in the strategically important waterway.

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China maintained that it remains committed to resolving disputes through negotiations and consultations with directly concerned countries, in accordance with international law and with the aim of preserving peace and stability in the strategically important waterway.