14 nations declare China’s South China Sea claims have no legal basis on ruling’s 10th anniversary

The joint statement

On 12 July 2026, fourteen countries issued a joint statement on the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling in the South China Sea case brought by the Philippines against China. The statement declared that China’s expansive maritime claims, including those based on so-called ‘historic rights’, have no legal basis. The signatories, Japan, the Philippines, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania and Slovenia, stressed that the award “is a significant milestone and is final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines.”

We urge the parties to abide by the 2016 Award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law.

The statement also underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Japan’s foreign minister weighs in

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu released a separate statement on the same day, criticising Beijing’s refusal to accept the 2016 decision. Motegi said China’s stance “violates the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes and undermines the rule of law.” He welcomed Manila’s consistent adherence to the ruling and its commitment to a peaceful resolution.

China’s claim of expansive maritime rights in the South China Sea has no legal basis, as the award clearly states. Moreover, its position of rejecting the award violates the principles of peaceful dispute settlement embodied in UNCLOS and damages the rule of law in the international community.

Condemnation of coercive actions

The joint statement and Japan’s remarks both expressed strong opposition to “any destabilizing or unilateral actions including by force or coercion” in the South China Sea. The fourteen nations pointed to the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to “harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations.” Japan voiced serious concern over the militarisation of disputed features, unilateral establishment of so-called “nature reserves,” and dangerous actions endangering freedom of navigation and overflight.

A decade of friction

Since the tribunal’s ruling on 12 July 2016, tensions have persisted. Manila has repeatedly accused Beijing of “dangerous manoeuvres” inside its exclusive economic zone, including the use of water cannons against resupply missions to Philippine-held features. The joint statement noted that the past ten years have seen continued and intensifying attempts to alter the status quo by force.

Calls for compliance

The fourteen countries reiterated that the arbitral award is binding between China and the Philippines. They urged all parties to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and in accordance with international law, stressing that any unilateral change to the status quo in the region undermines peace and stability.