Accusing Japan of interfering in regional affairs and undermining peace and stability, China insisted that its sovereignty over the disputed waters has “never changed” despite the 2016 tribunal ruling. The diplomatic row erupted after Japan, along with the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and nine other countries, marked the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling by reiterating that China’s expansive maritime claims have “no legal basis” under international law. Accusing Japan of interfering in regional affairs and undermining peace and stability, China insisted that its sovereignty over the disputed waters has “never changed” despite the 2016 tribunal ruling. The diplomatic row erupted after Japan, along with the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and nine other countries, marked the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling by reiterating that China’s expansive maritime claims have “no legal basis” under international law.
