South China Sea: International Condemnation on 10th Anniversary Ruling
Verdict: Correct
### Topic
South China Sea: International Condemnation on 10th Anniversary Ruling
### Summary
On July 12, 2026, a coalition of 14 nations reaffirmed the illegality of China's South China Sea claims, marking the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling in The Hague. This statement comes amidst escalating maritime confrontations and diplomatic protests, highlighting persistent tensions over international law and territorial sovereignty in the vital trade route.
### Body
On [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a [joint statement](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) was issued by Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and 11 other countries, explicitly reaffirming that [China's maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/). This statement commemorated the [10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016, Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), which found China's expansive claims in the South China Sea to be illegal under international law. The [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), initiated by the Philippines, determined that China's "[nine-dash line](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/)" claim had no legal basis for historic rights to resources in the South China Sea. Furthermore, the tribunal ruled that [Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a low-tide elevation, is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and cannot be claimed as sovereign territory by any state. The Philippines has maintained a de facto presence at [Second Thomas Shoal since 1999](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) by deliberately grounding the [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a WWII-era vessel, which serves as a makeshift outpost for rotating Philippine marines.
China has consistently rejected the [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), calling it "illegal, null and void," and continues to defend its claims to virtually the entire South China Sea. Confrontations in the South China Sea have involved Chinese coast guard ships and support vessels using water cannons, military-grade lasers, and dangerous blocking maneuvers against Philippine forces and fishermen. A significant incident occurred on [June 17, 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), where Chinese forces allegedly used axes, machetes, spears, and metal rods against Philippine Navy boats attempting to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre, resulting in a Filipino sailor losing a thumb and eight servicemen being wounded. In [August 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship collided with a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyer while chasing a Philippine patrol vessel near Scarborough Shoal, causing significant damage to the Chinese vessels. The Philippines has filed [over 200 diplomatic protests](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) against China's actions in the South China Sea since 2022. The South China Sea is a vital global trade route, with about [one-third of global maritime shipping](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) passing through it. No specific new naval collision event in July 2026 was explicitly detailed in the search results; rather, the focus was on the ongoing nature of the disputes and the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling.
### Verification
The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal's decision is reaffirmed as final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines by 14 nations, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, and Slovenia, as well as the European Union. The ruling affirmed that maritime entitlements are derived from international law, specifically the [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), not from "historic rights." A [June 2026 Pulse Asia Research survey](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) found that [86% of Filipinos](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) agree the government should defend its claims in the South China Sea with like-minded nations in accordance with the arbitral award.
### Supplement
The Philippines is positioned as "the archipelagic sentinel — guardian of the freedom of the seas" and is on the front line of efforts to assert the integrity of UNCLOS. Philippine Defense Secretary [Gilberto Teodoro Jr.](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) stated in May 2026 that the Philippines is a "hub of convergence among those committed to a rules-based order in the maritime domain." Joint statements from multiple nations underscore the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other internationally lawful uses of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS. The Philippines' "assertive transparency" policy, involving embedding local and international journalists on coast guard and military vessels, has generated greater international awareness and support for its position. Philippine officials argue the 2016 ruling has strengthened Manila's international legal position and supported closer defense cooperation with allies like the United States, Japan, and Australia. The Philippines is considering additional arbitration cases and other legal remedies through UNCLOS to counter China's continued coercion, including establishing Scarborough Reef as a common fishing ground. The 2016 ruling is considered a "gift to the world" by Philippine officials, strengthening the legal framework for freedom of navigation through one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
China consistently rejects the [2016 arbitral ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), stating it is "null and void and has no binding force," and that Beijing "neither accepts nor recognizes it." China asserts "indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters" based on "historic rights" and the "[nine-dash line](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/)." Beijing views the Philippines' actions, such as maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal and attempting to reinforce it, as infringements on Chinese sovereignty and violations of the [2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/). China argues that the Philippines' grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre was initially explained as a mechanical failure and that assurances were given for its prompt removal, making subsequent reinforcement a violation of the DOC's commitment to refrain from inhabiting uninhabited features. [China's Ministry of Natural Resources think tank](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) issued a report in July 2026 condemning the Philippines' territorial claims as "unlawful" expansions and a "grave threat" to the post-war global order, stating Manila's claims lack historical and legal basis. [Xinhua](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a Chinese state media outlet, published a column on July 12, 2026, asserting that the Philippines' "provocative actions" in the South China Sea challenge regional stability and risk the unity and centrality of ASEAN. China accuses Manila of "intentionally stoking tensions with Beijing at the behest of external forces" and that its deepening defense alignment with external actors challenges ASEAN unity. The lack of meaningful enforcement mechanisms for the 2016 arbitral ruling has led to a perception among some South China Sea claimants that international law alone cannot secure disputed territory. China's extensive land reclamation, estimated at [over 2,210 hectares](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), and militarization of features in the South China Sea are seen as destabilizing the region and weakening international agreements. China has proposed establishing a nature reserve at [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a move the Philippine government condemned as a "clear pretext for occupation." Analysts warn that repeated confrontations across the South China Sea continue to raise the risk of military escalation.
### Evidence
* [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Date of joint statement.
* [Joint statement](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Issued by Japan, Philippines, US, and 11 other countries.
* [China's maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Reaffirmed by joint statement.
* [10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016, Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Commemorated by the statement.
* [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Found China's claims illegal.
* "[nine-dash line](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/)": Claim by China.
* [Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Within Philippines' EEZ.
* [Second Thomas Shoal since 1999](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Philippines' de facto presence.
* [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): WWII-era vessel.
* [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Rejected by China.
* [June 17, 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Incident involving Chinese forces.
* [August 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): CCG/PLAN collision incident.
* [Over 200 diplomatic protests](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Filed by the Philippines since 2022.
* [One-third of global maritime shipping](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Passes through the South China Sea.
* [14 nations](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Reaffirming 2016 decision.
* [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Source of maritime entitlements.
* [Gilberto Teodoro Jr.](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Philippine Defense Secretary.
* [June 2026 Pulse Asia Research survey](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Survey source.
* [86% of Filipinos](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Agree government should defend claims.
* [2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Violated by Philippines, according to China.
* [China's Ministry of Natural Resources think tank](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Issued report in July 2026.
* [Xinhua](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Chinese state media outlet.
* [Over 2,210 hectares](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Estimated land reclamation by China.
* [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Proposed nature reserve.
South China Sea: International Condemnation on 10th Anniversary Ruling
### Summary
On July 12, 2026, a coalition of 14 nations reaffirmed the illegality of China's South China Sea claims, marking the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling in The Hague. This statement comes amidst escalating maritime confrontations and diplomatic protests, highlighting persistent tensions over international law and territorial sovereignty in the vital trade route.
### Body
On [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a [joint statement](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) was issued by Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and 11 other countries, explicitly reaffirming that [China's maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/). This statement commemorated the [10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016, Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), which found China's expansive claims in the South China Sea to be illegal under international law. The [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), initiated by the Philippines, determined that China's "[nine-dash line](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/)" claim had no legal basis for historic rights to resources in the South China Sea. Furthermore, the tribunal ruled that [Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a low-tide elevation, is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and cannot be claimed as sovereign territory by any state. The Philippines has maintained a de facto presence at [Second Thomas Shoal since 1999](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) by deliberately grounding the [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a WWII-era vessel, which serves as a makeshift outpost for rotating Philippine marines.
China has consistently rejected the [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), calling it "illegal, null and void," and continues to defend its claims to virtually the entire South China Sea. Confrontations in the South China Sea have involved Chinese coast guard ships and support vessels using water cannons, military-grade lasers, and dangerous blocking maneuvers against Philippine forces and fishermen. A significant incident occurred on [June 17, 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), where Chinese forces allegedly used axes, machetes, spears, and metal rods against Philippine Navy boats attempting to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre, resulting in a Filipino sailor losing a thumb and eight servicemen being wounded. In [August 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship collided with a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyer while chasing a Philippine patrol vessel near Scarborough Shoal, causing significant damage to the Chinese vessels. The Philippines has filed [over 200 diplomatic protests](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) against China's actions in the South China Sea since 2022. The South China Sea is a vital global trade route, with about [one-third of global maritime shipping](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) passing through it. No specific new naval collision event in July 2026 was explicitly detailed in the search results; rather, the focus was on the ongoing nature of the disputes and the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling.
### Verification
The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal's decision is reaffirmed as final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines by 14 nations, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, and Slovenia, as well as the European Union. The ruling affirmed that maritime entitlements are derived from international law, specifically the [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), not from "historic rights." A [June 2026 Pulse Asia Research survey](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) found that [86% of Filipinos](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) agree the government should defend its claims in the South China Sea with like-minded nations in accordance with the arbitral award.
### Supplement
The Philippines is positioned as "the archipelagic sentinel — guardian of the freedom of the seas" and is on the front line of efforts to assert the integrity of UNCLOS. Philippine Defense Secretary [Gilberto Teodoro Jr.](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) stated in May 2026 that the Philippines is a "hub of convergence among those committed to a rules-based order in the maritime domain." Joint statements from multiple nations underscore the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other internationally lawful uses of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS. The Philippines' "assertive transparency" policy, involving embedding local and international journalists on coast guard and military vessels, has generated greater international awareness and support for its position. Philippine officials argue the 2016 ruling has strengthened Manila's international legal position and supported closer defense cooperation with allies like the United States, Japan, and Australia. The Philippines is considering additional arbitration cases and other legal remedies through UNCLOS to counter China's continued coercion, including establishing Scarborough Reef as a common fishing ground. The 2016 ruling is considered a "gift to the world" by Philippine officials, strengthening the legal framework for freedom of navigation through one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
China consistently rejects the [2016 arbitral ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), stating it is "null and void and has no binding force," and that Beijing "neither accepts nor recognizes it." China asserts "indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters" based on "historic rights" and the "[nine-dash line](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/)." Beijing views the Philippines' actions, such as maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal and attempting to reinforce it, as infringements on Chinese sovereignty and violations of the [2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/). China argues that the Philippines' grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre was initially explained as a mechanical failure and that assurances were given for its prompt removal, making subsequent reinforcement a violation of the DOC's commitment to refrain from inhabiting uninhabited features. [China's Ministry of Natural Resources think tank](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/) issued a report in July 2026 condemning the Philippines' territorial claims as "unlawful" expansions and a "grave threat" to the post-war global order, stating Manila's claims lack historical and legal basis. [Xinhua](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a Chinese state media outlet, published a column on July 12, 2026, asserting that the Philippines' "provocative actions" in the South China Sea challenge regional stability and risk the unity and centrality of ASEAN. China accuses Manila of "intentionally stoking tensions with Beijing at the behest of external forces" and that its deepening defense alignment with external actors challenges ASEAN unity. The lack of meaningful enforcement mechanisms for the 2016 arbitral ruling has led to a perception among some South China Sea claimants that international law alone cannot secure disputed territory. China's extensive land reclamation, estimated at [over 2,210 hectares](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), and militarization of features in the South China Sea are seen as destabilizing the region and weakening international agreements. China has proposed establishing a nature reserve at [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/), a move the Philippine government condemned as a "clear pretext for occupation." Analysts warn that repeated confrontations across the South China Sea continue to raise the risk of military escalation.
### Evidence
* [July 12, 2026](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Date of joint statement.
* [Joint statement](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Issued by Japan, Philippines, US, and 11 other countries.
* [China's maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Reaffirmed by joint statement.
* [10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016, Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Commemorated by the statement.
* [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Found China's claims illegal.
* "[nine-dash line](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/)": Claim by China.
* [Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Within Philippines' EEZ.
* [Second Thomas Shoal since 1999](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Philippines' de facto presence.
* [BRP Sierra Madre](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): WWII-era vessel.
* [2016 ruling](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Rejected by China.
* [June 17, 2024](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Incident involving Chinese forces.
* [August 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): CCG/PLAN collision incident.
* [Over 200 diplomatic protests](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Filed by the Philippines since 2022.
* [One-third of global maritime shipping](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Passes through the South China Sea.
* [14 nations](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Reaffirming 2016 decision.
* [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Source of maritime entitlements.
* [Gilberto Teodoro Jr.](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Philippine Defense Secretary.
* [June 2026 Pulse Asia Research survey](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Survey source.
* [86% of Filipinos](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Agree government should defend claims.
* [2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Violated by Philippines, according to China.
* [China's Ministry of Natural Resources think tank](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Issued report in July 2026.
* [Xinhua](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Chinese state media outlet.
* [Over 2,210 hectares](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Estimated land reclamation by China.
* [Scarborough Shoal](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-naval-clash-july-2026-2026-07-11/): Proposed nature reserve.