US urges China to adhere to 2016 arbitral ruling on South China Sea

Eight years after an arbitral tribunal invalidated China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, the United States and other nations are urging Beijing to adhere to the 2016 ruling.

The 2016 award, established under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, invalidated China's claim over most of the South China Sea and criticized its detrimental island-building activities.

Despite the ruling, China continues to assert its territorial rights over the region, including the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned China's recent aggressive actions, such as using water cannons and boarding vessels, as a violation of international law and the safety of Filipinos.

However, China maintains that the 2016 Arbitral Award was 'illegitimate' and 'illegal', calling it a 'political circus dressed up as a legal action'.

China insists the arbitral tribunal exercised its jurisdiction ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling, thus the award is 'illegal, null and void'.

Beijing is urging the Philippines to honor its commitments, cease referencing the award, and return to bilateral negotiations to resolve disputes.

China also reiterated its position that the South China Sea situation is generally stable and urged collaboration with ASEAN to manage differences and advance consultations on a Code of Conduct.