Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China on the 10th Anniversary of the So-Called “South China Sea Arbitration Award”
July 12, 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the so-called “South China Sea Arbitration Award.” The Chinese government has consistently and firmly opposed this illegal and invalid award, which was unilaterally initiated by certain countries. We reiterate that the award is null and void, and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it.
Over the past decade, the situation in the South China Sea has generally remained stable, with ongoing cooperation among regional countries in areas such as marine environmental protection, fisheries management, and search and rescue. However, some countries, driven by ulterior motives, have persistently tried to use the award to exert pressure on China and undermine regional peace and stability. Such acts violate international law and the basic norms of international relations.
China’s sovereignty, rights, and interests in the South China Sea are based on historical facts and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We firmly oppose any attempts to negate China’s lawful rights through this award. We urge relevant parties to respect the efforts of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and to refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions or complicate the situation.
China remains committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and to working with other countries to uphold the region’s peace, stability, and prosperity. The so-called award is an obstacle to this goal, and it will never be recognized by China or the international community at large.