On South China Sea, government backs tribunal ruling against Beijing

NEW DELHI: The government has reiterated its position on the South China Sea issue, saying India emphasises the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and unimpeded commerce consistent with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).The ministry of external affairs (MEA) was responding to queries about a joint statement by the US, Japan, the Philippines and 11 other countries which said China's expansive claim in South China Sea has no legal basis.The joint statement marked the 10th anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines in 2016 that had rejected China's sweeping claim of sovereignty in South China Sea.

Beijing never accepted the ruling."We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS..." MEA said.The joint statement said, "We reaffirm that the award ...by the Arbitral Tribunal ...is final, legally binding and definitive between China and the Philippines."