Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today released the following statement after an international tribunal’s landmark decision which concluded that China’s claim over waters in the South China Sea has no legal basis.

“Today’s decision should be respected as the rule of law. If China rejects the ruling I think it is going to have a very difficult time explaining to its neighbors and the international community why it will not comply with international norms. The United States will continue to support freedom of navigation operations and keeping sea lanes of commerce open in our own interests. More than ever it is critical that all countries keep talking and keep working together.”

Larsen co-chairs the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group.

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