US, Allies Back 2016 South China Sea Ruling as China Rejects Arbitration Decision

The US, UK and 12 other countries on Sunday reaffirmed that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea lack legal basis , citing the 2016 arbitration ruling issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In a joint statement marking the ninth anniversary of the ruling, the 14 nations rejected what they described as “destabilising” actions in the disputed waters and called for respect for international law. The European Union also issued a separate statement, describing the arbitration decision as a “landmark” ruling for peaceful dispute resolution and reaffirming that it remains final and legally binding.

The tribunal, set up in The Hague under UNCLOS, had ruled in favour of the Philippines in 2016, stating that China’s claims based on historic rights had no legal foundation beyond recognised maritime limits. The case was initiated by Manila after a tense 2012 standoff between China and the Philippines over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

China, which refused to participate in the arbitration process, again rejected the ruling on Sunday, calling it “null and void” and saying it would not accept any claims or actions based on the decision. Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a vital global shipping route.

The joint statement was signed by countries including Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the Philippines , which opposed the use of force, coercion or maritime pressure tactics in the region.

The nations also criticised the use of coast guard vessels, military assets and maritime militia forces to obstruct lawful activities at sea, warning that such actions could endanger fishermen, personnel and regional stability.

Territorial tensions have increased in recent years, particularly between China and the Philippines, with repeated confrontations involving water cannons, aggressive manoeuvres and maritime blockades. The US has maintained that it is committed to defending the Philippines under their mutual defence treaty if its forces or vessels face armed attacks in the disputed waters.