G77 + China Reaffirms Strong Support for Argentina's Falklands Sovereignty Claim

International Bloc Backs Argentina on Malvinas

In early October 2025, the Group of 77 + China, a coalition comprising 134 developing nations, reiterated its 'strong support' for Argentina's sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas. The significant declaration, made during a ministerial meeting, urged Argentina and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations to find a peaceful and definitive solution to the long-standing dispute.

This reaffirmation coincides with the 60th anniversary of UN General Assembly Resolution 2065 (XX), adopted in 1965, which recognized the existence of a sovereignty dispute and called for bilateral negotiations between the two nations.

Key Points of the Declaration

The G77 + China's statement underscored several critical points regarding the dispute:

• The call for the conflict to be resolved in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
• A strong rejection of all unilateral British activities in the disputed areas, specifically mentioning hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, and military actions.
• Reaffirmation of Argentina's right to initiate legal actions to defend its natural resources in line with international law.
• Emphasis on the principle of territorial integrity as established by Resolution 1514 (XV).

Argentine officials, including Foreign Secretary Pablo Tettamanti and Secretary for Malvinas, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic, Daniel Filmus, expressed gratitude for the consistent international backing. Filmus highlighted the importance of the bloc's specific reference to unilateral resource exploitation and British military presence, which he stated 'violate United Nations resolutions'.

Historical Context of the Sovereignty Dispute

The sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina) has been a contentious issue between Argentina and the United Kingdom for centuries. The British claim dates back to 1690, with de facto sovereignty exercised almost continuously since 1833. Argentina, however, asserts its claim based on succession from Spain after its independence in 1816.

The dispute escalated into a brief but intense conflict in 1982 when Argentina invaded the islands, leading to the Falklands War. The war lasted 74 days and resulted in over 900 lives lost before British forces retook control. Despite the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the issue of sovereignty remains unresolved. The majority of Falkland Islanders are of British descent and have consistently expressed their desire to remain a British Overseas Territory.

Consistent International Advocacy

The G77 + China, which was established in 1964 to promote the collective economic interests of developing countries, has consistently supported Argentina's position on the Malvinas for at least the past decade. While China provides political and financial support to the G77, it does not officially consider itself a member, hence the designation 'G77 + China'. This ongoing support from a significant portion of the 'Global South' aims to keep the Malvinas Question on the international agenda and press for a negotiated settlement.