US urges China to follow 2016 PCA ruling on South China Sea

The US renewed its call for China to adhere to the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that favored the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute on Saturday, marking the ninth anniversary of the landmark decision.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the tribunal's decision remains a significant milestone and a basis for peacefully resolving disputes under international maritime law.

On Sunday, July 13, the US State Department issued a statement commemorating the ruling, reiterating its call on China to comply with the decision and cease destabilizing conduct.

The department criticized China for ignoring the ruling and continuing to assert unlawful claims while taking aggressive actions against neighbors like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and others.

The US reaffirmed its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, upholding freedom of navigation and opposing coercion in settling maritime disputes.

China's expansive claims infringe upon the sovereignty of Southeast Asian nations, undermining peace and stability in the area while Beijing refuses to recognize or comply with the PCA ruling.