A coalition led by the United States and the Philippines has renewed its commitment to defending international law in the South China Sea, issuing a joint declaration marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Hague arbitral ruling that rejected China's sweeping maritime claims.
The statement, released Saturday, July 11, was endorsed by the United States, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom.
Together, the governments reaffirmed their support for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" governed by international law and called on Beijing to comply with the legally binding arbitration decision.
The declaration commemorates the July 12, 2016, ruling issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in which an international arbitral tribunal unanimously concluded there was "no legal basis" for China's expansive claims based on so-called "historic rights" within the South China Sea.
China rejected the ruling when it was issued and has continued to maintain its claims despite the tribunal's decision.
The coalition emphasized that the award remains "final, legally binding, and definitive" between China and the Philippines regarding the maritime claims addressed by the tribunal.
It also reaffirmed that disputes must be resolved peacefully under international law rather than through coercion or force.
The governments expressed concern over actions that they said threaten regional stability, including the use of coast guard vessels, military forces, and maritime militia to harass or intimidate other nations operating lawfully at sea or in the air.
The statement urged all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and lawful mechanisms while preserving freedom of navigation and overflight throughout one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
For the United States and the Philippines, the anniversary represents more than a legal milestone.
It has become a centerpiece of a broader strategy to reinforce international support for the tribunal's findings as China continues expanding its military and coast guard presence around disputed reefs, shoals, and islands.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila underscored Washington's position in a statement posted on social media.
"The United States is unwavering in its commitment to stand firm with our Philippine allies and other nations for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific," the embassy said.
"The Arbitral Tribunal Award is final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines. There is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea."
Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton has also signaled that strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance extends beyond defense cooperation.
Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick Go said Lipton has made accelerating strategic economic initiatives — including the AI-focused Pax Silica technology hub in New Clark City — a top priority.
Philippine officials view such investments as strengthening the country's long-term resilience by expanding advanced manufacturing, critical technology capabilities, and economic ties with the United States.
The renewed diplomatic effort comes amid broader U.S. initiatives to deepen security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Recent joint military exercises, expanded maritime patrols, increased defense assistance, and growing coast guard cooperation reflect Washington's strategy of reinforcing allies facing pressure in contested waters.
Supporters of the tribunal ruling argue that broad international backing strengthens the rules-based order established under UNCLOS and demonstrates that the legal decision remains relevant a decade after it was issued.
China, however, continues to reject the arbitration award, insisting its territorial claims are historically justified and refusing to recognize the tribunal's jurisdiction.
As tensions persist in the South China Sea, the joint declaration signals that a growing group of nations intends to keep international attention focused on enforcing the principles established by the 2016 ruling and preserving freedom of navigation in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.