Forty-four countries have publicly backed the 2016 arbitral ruling concerning the South China Sea, marking a decade since the decision. The ruling, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, rejected China’s broad claims to the region. This international support underscores the importance of the rule of law in addressing the contentious maritime dispute. The award found that China's expansive claims based on the "nine-dash line" had no legal basis. Despite this, China has consistently dismissed the ruling and continues to assert its sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea. The continued backing from a significant number of nations maintains pressure on China to adhere to international legal standards. The support signifies a united front against unilateral maritime claims.