News

On 12 July, Lithuania joined the statement by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, New Zealand, the Republic of the Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the landmark ruling handed down by the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea case, unanimously adopted under Annex VII to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

A corresponding statement by the European Union has also been issued.

Both statements underline that the Arbitral Award of 12 July 2016 marks a significant stage in the amicable settlement of disputes and is a final and legally binding solution for China and the Philippines regarding the maritime rights and claims issues addressed by the Arbitration Tribunal.

The parties reaffirm that there is no legal basis for China’s extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea, including claims based on so-called ‘historic rights’.

They also stress the need to ensure freedom of navigation and flight and other legitimate uses of the sea in accordance with international law, as provided for in UNCLOS. They strongly oppose any destabilising or unilateral actions, including the use of force or coercion, that threaten the region's peace and stability. They call for compliance with the 2016 Arbitral Award and for a settlement of disputes through dialogue and other legitimate means in accordance with international law.

Lithuania continues to strongly support a free and open Indo-Pacific region dominated by international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for the 2016 Arbitral Award. Lithuania also supports the aim that the South China Sea remains an area of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity based on legitimate international trade.

For the text of the joint statement initiated by the U.S., please click here.

For the text of the EU statement, please click here.