Press Releases
Nine years since the issuance of the Arbitral Tribunal’s award as to the disputes between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding the South China Sea
(Statement by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi)
July 12, 2025
- Today, nine years have passed since the issuance of the Arbitral Tribunal’s award on the disputes between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding the South China Sea. The Tribunal’s award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute, the Philippines and China, under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Japan places great importance on upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law, and highly appreciates the position of the Government of the Philippines, which has consistently complied with the award and shown its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.
- Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the South China Sea have continued and strengthened. Japan strongly opposes these attempts which threaten regional peace and stability. On this occasion, Japan also reiterates its serious concern over repeated actions that obstruct the freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as increase regional tensions, including dangerous actions against Filipino and other countries’ vessels and aircraft.
- The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law in the international community. Japan reaffirms that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and strongly hopes that the parties to the dispute, who are also State Parties to UNCLOS, will comply with the award and it will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.
- The issue with regard to the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and constitutes a legitimate concern of the international community. The legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders who use the South China Sea, including Japan, should not be violated. Japan will continue to work in coordination with the international community, such as ASEAN Member States and the United States, to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.