States Positively Acknowledging the Arbitration Award of 12 July 2016
Bosnia and Herzegovina
“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]
European Union
"12 July marks the seventh anniversary of the Award issued by the Tribunal constituted under Annex VII to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the arbitration instituted by the Republic of the Philippines against the People’s Republic of China concerning the South China Sea.
"The EU reiterates that the Award of the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings, and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties."
“The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. We urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanisms. The EU recalls in this regard the Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS on 12 July 2016.”
“The European Union and its Member States, as contracting parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), acknowledge the Award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal, being committed to maintaining a legal order of the seas and oceans based upon the principles of international law, UNCLOS, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“The EU does not take a position on sovereignty aspects relating to claims. It expresses the need for the parties to the dispute to resolve it through peaceful means, to clarify their claims and pursue them in respect and in accordance with international law, including the work in the framework of UNCLOS.”
Indonesia
“Indonesia reiterates that the Nine-Dash Line map implying historic rights claim clearly lacks international legal basis and is tantamount to upset UNCLOS 1982. This view has also been confirmed by the Award of 12 July 2016 by the Tribunal that any historic rights that the People’s Republic of China may have had to the living and non-living resources were superseded by the limits of the maritime zones provided for by UNCLOS 1982.
“As a State Party to UNCLOS 1982, Indonesia has consistently called for the full compliance toward international law, including UNCLOS 1982. . . .”
Malaysia
“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 believes that all relevant parties can peacefully resolve disputes by full respect for diplomatic and legal processes; and relevant international law and 1982 UNCLOS.”
Myanmar
“Myanmar has taken note of the Award made by the Arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on 12 July 2016. We are now studying the impact of the Award and its possible repercussions within our region and beyond.
"We have been consistent in calling for and supporting all endeavours to promote a peaceful resolution of disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law including the 1982 UNCLOS.”
Singapore
“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 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.”
Vietnam
“Viet Nam welcomes the fact that, on 12 July 2016, the Tribunal issued its Award in the arbitration between the Philippines and China.
“Viet Nam reaffirms its consistent position regarding this arbitration as fully reflected in the Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam transmitted to the Tribunal on 05 December 2014. Accordingly, Viet Nam strongly supports the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means, including legal and diplomatic processes, refraining from the use or threat of use of force in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, maintenance of regional peace and stability, security, safety and freedoms of navigation and over-flight in the East Sea, and respect for the rule of law in the oceans and seas.”