Today the Arbitral Tribunal released its final decision on the Philippines' South China Sea arbitration case.
The Australian Government calls on the Philippines and China to abide by the ruling, which is final and binding on both parties.
The Tribunal in the Philippines' arbitration case was established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Tribunal's decision was not about sovereignty, but about maritime rights under UNCLOS.
UNCLOS provides all countries with a clear framework for the lawful uses of our oceans. It facilitates free and open trade, includes well-established rights to freedom of navigation and overflight, and supports the peaceful resolution of disputes in the maritime space.
Australia supports the right of all countries to seek to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.
Media release: Australia supports peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea