14 nations and EU reaffirm 2016 ruling invalidating China's South China Sea claims

A group of 14 countries and the European Union have jointly reaffirmed the 2016 international arbitral ruling that declared China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea illegal. The statements, issued on July 12, 2026—the tenth anniversary of the ruling—underline ongoing tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

The reaffirmation

Led by the United States, the countries—including the UK, Philippines, Japan, Australia, and others—stated that the 2016 award is "definitive and legally binding" and that there is "no legal basis for China's extensive maritime claims." Source: AP News The EU issued a separate statement calling the ruling a "historic decision." Source: Infobae

China's rejection

China repeated its long-standing position that the ruling is "null and void" and that it neither accepts nor recognizes it. Source: AP News Beijing claims "historical rights" over almost the entire sea and argues the tribunal overstepped its jurisdiction. Source: Infobae

Ongoing tensions

The decade since the ruling has seen repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, including water cannon attacks. Source: Infobae The Philippine Coast Guard commemorated the anniversary with ship sirens, while China insists on bilateral negotiations. Source: Infobae