States Positively Acknowledging the Arbitration Award of 12 July 2016

“Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses the hope that the dispute over the South China Sea between China, the Philippines and other countries that claim the disputed islands will be resolved by diplomatic means through political dialogue, consultations and negotiations between the countries involved, in accordance with the norms of international law and with full respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic interests of the countries involved, and that the judgment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague will be an incentive to resolve the dispute.” [Unofficial English Translation] 

"Malaysia notes that the Arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) issued its award on 12 July 2016.

Malaysia is fully committed and calls on all parties to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety; and the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) as agreed between China and ASEAN countries.

Malaysia believes that all relevant parties can peacefully resolve disputes by full respect for diplomatic and legal processes; and relevant international law and 1982 UNCLOS.

Malaysia believes that it is important to maintain peace, security and stability through the exercise of self-restraint in the conduct of activities that may further complicate disputes or escalate tension, and avoid the threat or use of force in the South China Sea.

Malaysia cherishes peace and stability of the South China Sea and believes that China and all relevant parties can find constructive ways to develop healthy dialogues, negotiations and consultations while upholding the supremacy of the rule of law for the peace, safety and security for the region."

"Singapore has taken note of the Award made by the Arbitral Tribunal convened under Annex VII to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on 12 July 2016 on the case between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. We are studying the Award and its implications on Singapore and the wider region.

Singapore is not a claimant state and we do not take sides on the competing territorial claims. However, we support the peaceful resolution of disputes among claimants in accordance with universally-recognised principles of international law, including UNCLOS, without resorting to the threat or use of force. As a small state, we strongly support the maintenance of a rules-based order that upholds and protects the rights and privileges of all states.

Singapore values our long-standing and friendly relations with all parties, bilaterally and in the context of ASEAN. We urge all parties to fully respect legal and diplomatic processes, exercise self-restraint and avoid conducting any activities that may raise tensions in the region.

Singapore supports the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the expeditious conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea."