On the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, the Philippines and 14 other nations reiterated their stance against China's maritime claims in the South China Sea.The joint statement emphasized that China's expansive claims, including those based on historic rights, lack legal basis under international law.

The nations reaffirmed their commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), rejecting any unilateral actions that threaten regional stability.

The 501-page ruling, issued in 2016, concluded that China's 'nine-dash line' claims have no legal foundation, as there is no evidence of exclusive historical control over the disputed waters.

While China has refused to recognize the ruling, the participating countries remain united in upholding freedom of navigation and promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The statement also condemned the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces to intimidate lawful operations, stressing the importance of dialogue and international law in resolving conflicts.

This reaffirmation underscores the ongoing geopolitical significance of the South China Sea and the collective effort to maintain peace and stability in the region.