2016 ruling on South China Sea remains pivotal as 14 nations voice support, China's rejection persists
Fourteen nations marked the ninth anniversary of a ruling rejecting China's South China Sea claims. Beijing dismissed the legally binding 2016 arbitration decision as null and void. The joint statement opposed destabilizing actions and harassment at sea. China's foreign ministry criticized the tribunal's findings and its own rights. Tensions rise amid confrontations involving Chinese, Philippine, and Vietnamese vessels.
Fourteen nations marked the ninth anniversary of a ruling rejecting China's South China Sea claims. Beijing dismissed the legally binding 2016 arbitration decision as null and void. The joint statement opposed destabilizing actions and harassment at sea. China's foreign ministry criticized the tribunal's findings and its own rights. Tensions rise amid confrontations involving Chinese, Philippine, and Vietnamese vessels.
