14 Nations Reaffirm South China Sea Ruling as China Rejects It

On the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling against China's expansive South China Sea claims, 14 countries reaffirmed the decision as legally binding, while Beijing dismissed it as "null and void" and accused the US-led coalition of threatening regional peace.

The July 12, 2016 ruling invalidated China's nine-dash line and historic rights claims, but China has refused to recognize it and has intensified its control over the area through salami-slicing tactics and military patrols. Source: foreignpolicy

The Anniversary

A joint statement by the Philippines, US, UK, Japan, Australia, and nine other nations declared the ruling "final, legally binding and definitive," and stressed opposition to "destabilizing or unilateral actions" in the disputed waters. Source: AP News The statement specifically condemned the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia to harass lawful operations. Source: AP News

The Reactions

• Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro called the ruling a "permanent anchor" of the rules-based order, comparing it to a lighthouse. Source: AP News
• China's embassy in Manila reiterated that it would never recognize the "illegal, null and void" ruling, insisting that it will not alter China's sovereignty claims. Source: AP News
• Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized China's "destabilizing and dangerous conduct" in the sea. Source: AP News

The Reality on the Water

Despite the ruling, Chinese presence has expanded. Filipino fishermen report being driven away from Scarborough Shoal by Chinese harassment. Source: foreignpolicy China has built infrastructure on islands in the Paracels, including gardens, government offices, and a prison, and has hosted tourists. Source: scmp Analysts argue that the unenforced ruling has failed to curb tensions, with Beijing engaging in good-faith diplomacy but insisting on exploration of international mediation. Source: scmp