In a joint statement released by the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, the Philippines, Romania, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, signatories marked the tenth anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award.
The statement reaffirmed a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and emphasised that maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award was issued by a tribunal constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS following a case brought by the Philippines against China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The tribunal ruled on issues including maritime entitlements and found that certain Chinese claims based on “historic rights” had no legal basis under international law. China rejected the ruling and has maintained its position that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction over the matter.
Key points and quotes from the statement:
- Signatories said they remain committed to “a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based, anchored in international law”.
- The governments reaffirmed that the 2016 ruling was “final, legally binding, and definitive” between China and the Philippines regarding matters addressed by the tribunal.
- The statement highlighted the importance of “freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other internationally lawful uses of the sea”.
- Signatories urged parties to “abide by the 2016 Award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms”.
The joint statement reflects continued support among participating governments for international law, maritime stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
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