15 countries back 2016 South China Sea ruling

The Philippines and 14 partner countries on Saturday reaffirmed their support for the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, marking its 10th anniversary by calling on parties to resolve maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.

In a joint statement, the governments of Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" anchored in the rule of law.

The countries said the July 12, 2016 ruling issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) remains "final, legally binding, and definitive" between the Philippines and China on the maritime claims addressed by the arbitral tribunal.

The statement also reaffirmed the tribunal's finding that there is "no legal basis" for China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, including those based on so-called historic rights.

The signatories underscored the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of the sea under UNCLOS.

The countries also opposed unilateral actions that threaten regional peace and stability, including the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia vessels to harass, obstruct or intimidate lawful activities by other states at sea or in the air.

They urged parties to abide by the 2016 arbitral award and settle disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms consistent with international law.

The joint statement concluded by reaffirming support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and backing ASEAN's vision of the South China Sea as "a sea of peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity" supported by lawful commerce.