China rejects US-led backing for South China Sea ruling, calls tribunal award 'illegal'
China rejected renewed international support for a 2016 tribunal ruling.
The ruling declared China's expansive South China Sea claims legally baseless.
China insists the award is null and void and has no binding force.
Fourteen nations reaffirmed the ruling's finality and commitment to a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Beijing also objected to Japan's participation in the joint statement.
14 Nations Reaffirm South China Sea Ruling
- US, UK, 12 other nations reaffirm 2016 ruling invalidating China's claims in South China Sea Korea Times —
- South China Sea joint statement says China's maritime claims have no basis Bangkok Post —
- 2016 ruling on South China Sea remains pivotal as 14 nations voice support, China's rejection persists Times Of India —
- China’s claims in South China Sea: US, UK, 12 other nations reaffirm 2016 ruling Boston Globe —
- Beijing renews attacks on landmark South China Sea tribunal on ruling’s 10th anniversary South China Morning Post —