U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a sharp rebuke of China’s conduct in the South China Sea, accusing Beijing of threatening regional peace and violating the sovereignty of its neighbors through expansive and unlawful maritime claims.

Rubio condemned what he described as China’s “increasingly aggressive actions” toward several Southeast Asian countries—including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia—and called for an end to what he termed “dangerous and destabilizing behavior” in the contested waters.

“Beijing’s far-reaching claims directly violate the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of its neighbors,” Rubio said. “These actions undermine peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

Rubio emphasized that China’s claims run contrary to international law, specifically referencing the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The tribunal, acting under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), unanimously ruled that China’s claims to historic rights over vast swathes of the South China Sea had no legal basis—a decision Beijing has refused to recognize.

“The 2016 tribunal ruling is legally binding and provides a framework for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes,” Rubio asserted, urging China to comply with the judgment.

The South China Sea remains a persistent flashpoint in Asia, with Beijing continuing to build military outposts, conduct patrols, and assert control over key maritime corridors. Its expansive "nine-dash line" claim overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several neighboring countries, leading to frequent confrontations and diplomatic friction.

Rubio’s comments come amid rising concern in Washington and allied capitals over growing Chinese assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific. The Biden and now Rubio-led administrations have both sought to strengthen security and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asian nations and uphold freedom of navigation in the region.

The Chinese government has yet to respond to Rubio’s statement, but in the past has rejected international criticism, insisting that its territorial claims are based on historical precedent.

Regional analysts warn that unless tensions are addressed through dialogue and legal frameworks, the South China Sea could remain a flashpoint for broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the U.S. and its allies. (ILKHA)

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