A decade after the Philippines secured its landmark legal victory over China in the South China Sea, 14 countries renewed their support for the 2016 arbitral ruling on Sunday, July 12, declaring it final and legally binding while rejecting Beijing’s sweeping maritime claims as having no basis under international law.
In a joint statement marking the ruling’s 10th anniversary, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States reaffirmed that the decision remains “final, legally binding, and definitive” between Manila and Beijing.
The coordinated declaration came as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. again underscored the ruling as the foundation of the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea, saying that “right is not defined by might” and that international law—not military or economic power—should govern maritime disputes.
The 14 countries likewise reiterated the tribunal’s conclusion that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including those based on so-called “historic rights,” have no legal basis under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on July 12, 2016, the award invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim and upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. Beijing has consistently rejected the decision and refused to recognize the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
The signatories also voiced strong opposition to coercive and unilateral actions that threaten regional peace and stability, including the use of coast guard vessels, military assets, and maritime militia to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful activities at sea and in the air.
While China was not mentioned by name, the statement came against the backdrop of continued confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, including water cannon attacks, dangerous maneuvers, and the obstruction of Philippine resupply and fishing missions.
The countries called on all parties to abide by the arbitral award and settle disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law. They also reaffirmed their support for freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of the sea guaranteed under UNCLOS.
The statement concluded by reaffirming support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific and ASEAN’s vision of the South China Sea as a region of peace, stability, cooperation, and lawful commerce.
The joint declaration adds to a series of international statements backing the 2016 arbitral ruling, which the Marcos administration has repeatedly described as “beyond compromise and beyond negotiation.” It also follows Canada’s recent reaffirmation of its support for the award during Marcos’ official visit to Ottawa under the newly established Philippines-Canada Strategic Partnership.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.