China Rejects Global Backing for South China Sea Tribunal Ruling, Calls Award ‘Illegal’

China has criticised a 14-nation coalition, led by the United States and the Philippines, for reaffirming support for the 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected Beijing’s extensive claims in the South China Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the countries of endorsing an “illegal” arbitration decision and reiterated that it does not recognise the ruling.

Beijing said its claims in the South China Sea are based on historical rights and international law , describing its activities in the disputed waters as “legitimate” and lawful. China argued that the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague exceeded the tribunal’s authority and had no legal validity.

The dispute stems from a case filed by the Philippines in 2016 challenging China’s claims over large parts of the South China Sea. The tribunal rejected Beijing’s claim to historic rights within the so-called “nine-dash line,” which covers most of the resource-rich waters.

The PCA ruled that China’s claims were incompatible with the maritime rights granted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) , including the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of other coastal nations. However, China has consistently refused to accept the decision, maintaining that its sovereignty cannot be determined by the tribunal. The latest dispute followed a joint statement by 14 countries , including the US, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and the UK, marking a decade since the tribunal ruling.

The statement called the decision “final, legally binding and definitive” and reaffirmed support for a rules-based and open Indo-Pacific region. The coalition also expressed concern over the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces to pressure other countries operating in the region, warning that such actions could threaten regional peace and maritime safety.

China separately objected to Japan’s participation, saying Tokyo is not a claimant in the South China Sea dispute and has no authority to comment on Beijing’s maritime rights.

The South China Sea remains a major geopolitical flashpoint , with competing claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan over strategically important waters rich in resources and vital shipping routes.