The anniversary of the landmark Arbitral Tribunal Award on the South China Sea is being marked today by a joint statement from 15 nations, including the UK, which reaffirms the ruling's pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the strategically crucial region. The significant declaration comes as tensions between China and other regional powers remain high, with Beijing's claims to the disputed waters continuing to raise concerns about maritime security.
The statement underscores a collective commitment to a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' region, underlining the importance of adherence to international law in resolving disputes over the South China Sea. It explicitly reaffirms the 12 July 2016 decision by the Arbitral Tribunal as a 'final, legally binding, and definitive' resolution concerning maritime entitlements and claims between China and the Philippines.
Crucially, the signatory nations reiterated the Tribunal's finding that China's claims in the South China Sea, particularly those based on 'historic rights', lack legal foundation. The statement also stresses the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, alongside other lawful uses of the sea as enshrined in UNCLOS, a principle vital for global trade and security.
Furthermore, the joint declaration strongly opposes any destabilising or unilateral actions, including those involving force or coercion, that threaten regional peace and stability. It specifically condemns 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, actions that endanger personnel and fishermen and degrade regional security.
The participating nations, which also include Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, the Philippines, Romania, and Slovenia, urged all parties to abide by the 2016 Award and to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law. This collective stance highlights ongoing international concern over the South China Sea, a critical waterway for global shipping and a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions.