US, UK, 12 other nations reaffirm 2016 ruling invalidating China's claims in South China Sea

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Several nations reaffirmed China's expansive South China Sea claims are illegal. A 2016 arbitration ruling declared China's claims lack legal basis. These countries oppose destabilizing actions threatening regional peace and stability. They also oppose the use of forces to harass lawful operations at sea. Territorial disputes should be resolved peacefully under the UN Convention.