WPS: 14 countries back 2016 ruling vs Beijing’s South China Sea claims

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of 14 nations, including the Philippines, declared on Sunday that Beijing’s vast maritime claims in the South China Sea completely lack legal standing.

The joint statement, which marks the 10th anniversary of the historic South China Sea arbitral ruling, was also backed by Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“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 with respect to the maritime entitlements and claims addressed by the Arbitral Tribunal,” the statement read.

READ: PH arbitral win’s legacy: World’s eyes on China

“We reaffirm the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on ‘historic rights’,” it added.

South China Sea dispute

The countries, however, maintained their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the maritime dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos, rooted in upholding “a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based, anchored in international law.”

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The countries reiterated their strong opposition to any destabilizing or unilateral actions, including force or coercion that threatens peace and stability in the region.

“We reaffirm our strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations by other States at sea or in the air, and in so doing endanger the safety of personnel and fishermen and seriously degrade regional peace and security,” the statement read.

READ: Marcos on 2016 arbitral award: S. China Sea shouldn’t be conflict arena

“We urge the parties to abide by the 2016 Award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law,” it added.

China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, depicted under the nine-dash line and now a 10-dash line, encompass parts of the West Philippine Sea, or the waters within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The 2016 arbitral award, which stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, ruled there was no legal basis for China’s claims, but the Asian giant refuses to acknowledge the ruling. /dl

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

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