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Philippines lone signer as China denounces US statement

7/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Only the Philippines signed the U.S.-led statement marking the award’s 10th anniversary, while other Southeast Asian nations stayed out.
China’s Foreign Ministry called the award “illegal waste paper” and reiterated sovereignty over the South China Sea islands.
The United States and thirteen allies cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), urged navigation freedom and condemned coercive actions in the South China Sea.

History

Historical Context

In January 2013 the Philippines filed a UNCLOS arbitration against China over the nine-dash line. The Permanent Court of Arbitration issued its award on 12 July 2016, finding China’s historic claims had no legal effect and ordering it to halt construction, a decision rejected by Beijing. The ruling, backed by 26 governments, now underpins a U.S.–led statement that the Philippines alone has signed, shaping current diplomatic pressure.

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Story summary

Only the Philippines signed the U.S.-led statement marking the award’s 10th anniversary, while other Southeast Asian nations stayed out.
China’s Foreign Ministry called the award “illegal waste paper” and reiterated sovereignty over the South China Sea islands.
The United States and thirteen allies cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), urged navigation freedom and condemned coercive actions in the South China Sea.

1 / 2