Japan, the United States, the Philippines and 11 other countries have released a joint statement marking the 10th anniversary of an international tribunal\u2019s dismissal of China\u2019s territorial claims in the South China Sea.<\/p>\n
The countries stressed that the July 12, 2016, decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague \u201cis a significant milestone and is final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines\u201d regarding their territorial row.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe urge the parties to abide by the 2016 Award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
Referring to China\u2019s increasing expansionist moves in the South China Sea, the countries reiterated their \u201cstrong opposition to any destabilizing or unilateral actions including by force or coercion that threaten peace and stability in the region\u201d and to \u201cthe use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
The countries also include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, and Britain.<\/p>\n
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a separate statement on the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration, saying that China\u2019s refusal to accept the decision \u201cundermines the rule of law in the international community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Motegi also noted that Japan will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States, to \u201cmaintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.\u201d<\/p>\n
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