The June 14, 2024 Communiqué from the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Apulia, Italy, has once again brought attention to the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. As the world’s leading industrialized democracies, the G7 leaders expressed serious concern about China’s behavior in the region, particularly its “dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia” and its interference with high seas freedom of navigation. At the heart of the matter lies China’s expansive maritime claims, which the G7 unequivocally rejects. Citing the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, the G7 leaders reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China’s sweeping territorial assertions. This ruling, which is legally binding upon the parties involved, serves as a crucial reference point for peacefully resolving maritime disputes.

Bunye, I. R. (2024, June 24). Escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Panay News, pp. 7, 15.