Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed concern over the maritime dispute in the South China Sea, but were silent on the Philippines’ victory in the United Nations (UN)-backed Arbitral Tribunal. In a draft statement, ASEAN leaders stressed the importance of pursuing peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, like the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The arbitration decision handed down by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, ruled that China’s historical claims over the disputed waters as invalid under the 1982 UNCLOS. China, however, refused to recognize any decision handed down by the court.

Geducos, A.C., & Ramirez, J. (2017, April 27). ASEAN rejects use of force: leaders underscore importance of peace, stability in South China Sea. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 6.