The joint statement by Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, the UK, the US, and the Philippines described the 2016 arbitral ruling as a “significant milestone,” reaffirming that the maritime sovereignty claims addressed by the arbitral tribunal are final, legally binding, and conclusive.
The countries reaffirmed their firm commitment to maintaining a peaceful, stable, rules-based, free, and open Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law.
They once again voiced their strong opposition to any destabilizing actions or unilateral measures, including the use of force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in this region.
The nations also stressed their strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, intimidate lawful operations by other states at sea or in the air and in so doing endanger the safety of personnel and fishermen and seriously degrade regional peace and security.
They urged the parties to abide by the 2016 Award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law.
They emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, and other “internationally lawful uses of the sea,” as reflected in UNCLOS.
