US, UK and allies unite to reject China's South China Sea claims

The United States, the United Kingdom and 12 other Western and Asian nations have jointly reaffirmed that China's sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea have no basis in international law, renewing pressure on Beijing over one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

The coordinated statement, issued on the ninth anniversary of a landmark international arbitration ruling, was matched by a separate declaration from the European Union, signalling broad international backing for the 2016 decision that overwhelmingly favoured the Philippines.

International coalition speaks with one voice

The joint declaration said the participating nations reject what they described as "destabilising" actions in the South China Sea and warned that growing tensions threaten regional peace and global trade.

The countries reaffirmed that the arbitration tribunal established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) found "no legal basis" for China's expansive maritime claims, including those based on so-called historic rights.

The ruling, delivered in The Hague in 2016, was described as final and legally binding under international law.

China rejects ruling

Beijing again dismissed the judgment, insisting the arbitration award is "null and void" and has no legal force.

China has consistently refused to recognise the tribunal's authority after boycotting the case, which was brought by the Philippines following a prolonged territorial dispute.

Chinese officials maintain that Beijing will not accept third-party arbitration over sovereignty issues and continue to assert claims over almost the entire South China Sea.

Flashpoint for regional tensions

The South China Sea remains one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical hotspots.

China's claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, leading to repeated confrontations involving coast guard vessels, fishing fleets and military aircraft.

In recent years, Chinese ships have been accused of using water cannons, military-grade lasers and dangerous manoeuvres against Philippine vessels operating in disputed waters, increasing concerns that an incident could trigger a wider regional crisis.

Freedom of navigation defended

The 14 nations also reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, warning against the use of military, coast guard or maritime militia vessels to intimidate or obstruct the lawful activities of other countries.

They called for all disputes to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law rather than through coercion or force.

The countries signing the joint declaration were the United States, United Kingdom, Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia.

US stands by the Philippines

Washington has repeatedly warned that its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines remains in force and could be invoked if Philippine military forces, ships or aircraft come under armed attack in the disputed waters.

Both the previous Biden administration and President Donald Trump's current administration have reaffirmed that commitment, underlining the growing strategic importance of the South China Sea as competition between China and the West continues to intensify.

With China showing no sign of backing away from its territorial claims, Sunday's coordinated statements highlight an increasingly united international front determined to challenge Beijing's position in one of the world's busiest and most contested maritime regions.

SOURCE

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