Fourteen countries, including Romania, have reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
The countries that signed the statement on Sunday marking the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral award were Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, the UK and the U.S.
“We reaffirm that the Award rendered ten years ago by the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone and is final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines with respect to the maritime entitlements and claims addressed by the Arbitral Tribunal,” the statement read.
“We reaffirm the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on ‘historic rights’,” it added.
The countries also maintained their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the maritime dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos, rooted in upholding “a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based, anchored in international law.”
The countries reiterated that they opposed any destabilizing or unilateral actions, including force or coercion that threatens regional peace and stability.
“We reaffirm our strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations by other States at sea or in the air, and in so doing endanger the safety of personnel and fishermen and seriously degrade egional peace and security,” the statement read.
