The U.S. Department of State has issued a statement commemorating the 9th anniversary of the Philippines-China South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, reaffirming its steadfast support for the landmark 2016 decision. The statement, released on July 12, 2025, highlights the ruling’s significance as a pivotal moment in international law and a testament to the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
The Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), definitively ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, often referred to as the “nine-dash line.” The tribunal found that these claims had no legal basis under UNCLOS and that China’s actions in the disputed waters, including the construction of artificial islands and interference with Philippine fishing and resource exploration, were unlawful.
In its statement, the Department of State emphasizes that the 2016 ruling is final and binding on both the Philippines and China. It underscores the importance of adhering to international law, particularly UNCLOS, as the foundation for maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. reiterates its commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and supporting its allies and partners in navigating complex geopolitical challenges.
The statement also acknowledges the ongoing importance of the South China Sea as a vital global maritime commons, through which trillions of dollars in trade flow annually. It calls for all parties to respect freedom of navigation and overflight and to refrain from provocative actions that could escalate tensions. The U.S. encourages diplomatic solutions and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
Furthermore, the Department of State expresses its continued solidarity with the Philippines and its unwavering support for its maritime rights. The statement serves as a clear reminder of the U.S. policy of opposing any coercive attempts to undermine the sovereign rights and interests of Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea.
As the international community reflects on the 9th anniversary of this crucial ruling, the U.S. Department of State’s statement reinforces its enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, built on the principles of international law and peaceful dispute resolution.
On the 9th Anniversary of the Philippines-China South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Ruling
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U.S. Department of State published ‘On the 9th Anniversary of the Philippines-China South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Ruling’ at 2025-07-12 12:23. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.