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Nations unite behind South China Sea ruling despite China objections
A China Coast Guard ship on the horizon through a telescopic view in Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea, February 21, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Karen Lema
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The United States, United Kingdom and 12 other nations have reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, saying the decision found no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims. The statement comes as the Philippines marks the anniversary of the landmark UNCLOS casewhile Beijing continues to reject the ruling.
The joint statement underscores continued international attention on the South China Sea, where overlapping claims involving China, the Philippines and other regional states remain unresolved. Supporters of the ruling view it as an important confirmation of international maritime law, according to Associated Press.
The 2016 arbitration case was brought by the Philippines against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The tribunal ruled largely in Manila's favour, rejecting the legal foundation for China's broad claims in the disputed waters.
The latest international statement focused on diplomatic backing for the ruling. The participating countries said there was "no legal basis" for China's expansive maritime claims, reinforcing their position that disputes should be managed under international law.
The Philippines' commemoration highlighted Manila's continued reliance on the arbitration decision as a foundation for its South China Sea policy. The event also underscored the gap between countries supporting the ruling and China, which has consistently rejected it.
China has maintained that the arbitration process was invalid and has refused to recognise the tribunal's findings. The competing positions remain a central source of tension in one of Asia's most contested maritime regions.
