Boosting efforts to push back against Beijing at sea, more than a dozen countries are calling
on Beijing over the weekend to recognize a decision of an international court from 10 years ago.
The joint statement was led by the U.S., aiming to push back against China's assertive actions
in the South China Sea. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea. Neighboring countries
reject those claims. A ruling of an arbitral tribunal in 2016 also rejected Beijing's so-called
nine-dash line claims. And now, not only Indo-Pacific countries such as Japan, Australia
and the Philippines, but also European nations including the UK, Germany and Italy have joined
the United States. Even Canada, traditionally known for its cautious approach to international
diplomacy, has signed onto the statement targeting China's actions. The countries say the ruling
remains final and legally binding, while warning against actions they say threaten stability in the
South China Sea. On Saturday, they called out Beijing's use of coast guard, military and
maritime forces to intimidate or obstruct other nations operating in the disputed waters. In a
separate statement, the European Union also reaffirming support for the ruling, calling it
a landmark decision in peacefully resolving disputes. The 2016 case was brought by the
Philippines against China over Beijing's sweeping claims across much of the South China Sea.
The tribunal ruled there was no legal basis for Beijing's claims under international law.
China has rejected the decision repeatedly since it was issued,
calling it invalid and refusing to recognize the tribunal's authority.
The dispute continues today, with tensions rising between Chinese and
Philippine vessels in one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
