Beijing Condemns 14-Nation South China Sea Statement, Summons Japanese Official
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 12
Beijing Condemns 14-Nation South China Sea Statement, Summons Japanese Official
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 12
Summary
China on Sunday denounced a 14-nation statement led by the United States and the Philippines marking 10 years since a Hague tribunal rejected most of Beijing’s South China Sea claims.
The foreign ministry said US-led military deployments and allied pressure are the “primary threat” to regional stability, while reasserting China’s “historic rights” and warning it would take “decisive measures” against provocations.
Japan quickly became a direct target after Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said China’s rejection of the 2016 ruling violated peaceful dispute settlement, prompting Beijing to summon a senior Japanese Embassy official.
The coalition statement, also backed by allies including Australia and Britain, reaffirmed support for a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific and treated the 2016 UNCLOS ruling as final and binding.
Is China's economic influence more powerful than military might in asserting its maritime claims?
With the ruling ignored for a decade, is force replacing law in the world's most vital waterway?
How can allies counter China's 'grey-zone' tactics without escalating to open conflict?
A Decade After the 2016 South China Sea Ruling: Global Support, Chinese Rejection, and the Ongoing Struggle for Rule of Law
Overview
On July 12, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea saw a strong international reaffirmation of the award’s validity. A broad coalition of nations issued a joint statement, urging all parties to abide by the ruling and resolve disputes peacefully. They condemned destabilizing actions, especially the use of coast guard and military forces to harass others, warning these moves threaten regional peace and security. Despite this unified stance, China responded with unwavering defiance, rejecting the ruling and maintaining its claims, highlighting the ongoing tension and the importance of upholding international law in the region.