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4w ago

Philippines and Allies Reaffirm 2016 South China Sea Ruling on 10th Anniversary

Manila says it will use the Arbitral Award as the legal baseline to push for a legally binding Code of Conduct with China within a year.

People pass by an electronic board showing areas of the disputed South China Sea during a conference to mark the 10th anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling which invalidated China's expansive claims during a conference in Manila, Philippines on Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro speaks as they mark the 10th anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling which invalidated China's expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea during a conference in Manila, Philippines on Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A China Coast Guard ship on the horizon through a telescopic view in Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea, February 21, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Karen Lema
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong speaks in a videotaped message to mark the 10th anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling which invalidated China's expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea during a conferene in Manila, Philippines on Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Overview

  • A coalition of 14 countries officially restated on July 11–12 that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal award is final, legally binding, and rejects China’s expansive 'nine‑dash line' claims.
  • The Philippines marked the 10th anniversary by calling the award an enduring anchor for its maritime policy and by framing the ruling as a tool to protect fishermen and uphold international law.
  • Beijing continues to refuse recognition of the award and has mounted a recent media and rhetorical offensive arguing the arbitration is illegitimate.
  • Filipino fishermen report persistent harassment near Scarborough Shoal, including water cannon, anchor‑cutting and exclusion from traditional fishing grounds, contributing to lost livelihoods and local economic strain.
  • Manila has pledged to use the award as the starting point in COC talks with ASEAN and China and aims to conclude a legally binding Code of Conduct within the year while deepening security and maritime cooperation with partners to reduce risks of dangerous encounters.