July 11, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement:

“Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. In 2016, a Permanent Court of Arbitration released its decision on the South China Sea case between China and the Philippines.

“Canada reiterates that this July 12, 2016, decision is legally binding on the parties and provides a foundation for the peaceful resolution of competing maritime claims in the region, consistent with international law.

“China’s coercive and dangerous actions against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels — including the use of water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, ramming, forcible towing, and the unlawful boarding of vessels — endanger the safety of seafarers and seriously degrade regional peace and security. Canada continues to call on China to abide by the tribunal’s decision and cease all actions that escalate tensions and threaten maritime safety.

“As outlined in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is working with ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, to ensure full respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in the South China Sea. 

“Canada also welcomes ongoing efforts by ASEAN member states to develop an effective and substantive code of conduct for the South China Sea. An agreement on a common way forward is essential to set conditions for effective, responsible, collaborative management of maritime resources, maintenance of maritime safety, and preservation of marine biodiversity.”