Fourteen nations plus the EU released a joint statement on Sunday. They echoed the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's broad claims in the South China Sea. The signatories said these claims have no basis under international law. This declaration marks the 10th anniversary of the ruling from a tribunal in The Hague. Beijing swiftly rejected the move. Chinese officials accused involved countries of playing up the so-called arbitration award. The initial 2016 case involved disputes between China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. This joint push signals renewed pressure on Beijing. Tensions in the waterway persist as the anniversary approaches. The joint statement highlights the continued rift over maritime rights in the region.