US Criticizes ICC Yet Supports International Maritime Law in South China Sea
Washington condemns the ICC as a threat to sovereignty but invokes international maritime law to support a South China Sea ruling.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — In a move highlighting apparent contradictions in its foreign policy, the United States has simultaneously condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) and supported an international maritime law ruling.
Earlier this month, Washington declared that the ICC poses an “intolerable” challenge to America’s sovereignty. However, it also led a coalition of 14 mainly Western countries in issuing a joint statement supporting a 10-year-old South China Sea arbitration ruling, citing international maritime law.
The US State Department issued a statement asserting that the ICC’s existence threatens American sovereignty and national security. “The ICC represents an existential threat to US interests and the principle of national sovereignty,” a department spokesperson said.
Conversely, the US, alongside its allies, released a joint statement reaffirming support for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which invalidated China’s claims to the South China Sea. “We stand by international maritime law — and the rule-based international order,” the statement read.
This dual approach has raised questions about the consistency of US foreign policy. Critics argue that the US is selectively applying international law to suit its geopolitical interests.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
