South China Sea: Joint statement says China’s maritime claims have no legal basis

China's extensive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal foundation, according to a joint statement released on July 12 by Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and 11 other nations. The declaration coincides with the 10th anniversary of a pivotal international tribunal ruling.

The Philippines secured a victory in the 2016 case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which determined that China's sweeping claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea were not supported by international law. Beijing, however, consistently rejects this decision.

"We reaffirm that the award rendered ten years ago by the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone and is final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines," the joint statement declared. The participating nations include Australia, Britain, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, and Slovenia.

The statement comes as the Philippines and China have been involved in a series of maritime confrontations. Manila has accused Beijing of engaging in "dangerous manoeuvres" within its exclusive economic zone, including the use of water cannons to disrupt resupply missions to Philippine-held territories.

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We reaffirm that the award rendered ten years ago by the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone and is final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines.