China claims South China Sea arbitral decision ‘seriously violates international law’
July 15, 2022
MANILA, Philippines -China once again belittles the historic decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in favor of the Philippines and nullifying Beijing’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, claiming it violates international law.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a press conference on Wednesday said: “The so -called South China Sea arbitration award is a serious violation of international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is illegal, void, and void. ”
He reiterated that China’s position on the matter was “consistent and clear.”
“China does not accept or recognize it and will never accept any claim or action based on the award. Through this, we uphold the international rule of law, ”he added.
Wang also said Beijing’s position on the issue has received a warm response from the international community.
He then warned that they would address attempts to violate China’s sovereignty, rights, and interests in accordance with the law. He said these efforts would not succeed.
Wang’s reaction came after the Philippines, which marked the sixth anniversary of the PCA’s decision, said the arbitration award was “final” and “unquestionable.”
In 2016, a court based in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled that the Philippines had exclusive sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea over the South China Sea, overturning Beijing’s sweeping and overlapping claims in one of the most important economic and environmental place in the world.
Wang also slammed the United States (US) for “ignoring the history and reality of the South China Sea issue and violating and distorting international law.”
“It has broken its public promise to have no position on sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, and seeks to cause a rift between regional countries and undermine peace and stability in the region. This is very irresponsible, “he said.
“We urge the US to respect China’s sovereignty, rights, and interests in the South China Sea, stop inciting unrest, and stop using the South China Sea issue to sow discord between regional countries. , ”He added.
The US has previously called on China to abide by international law and stop its “provocative behavior” in the South China Sea.
Wang further said that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are “fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and are actively working to advance consultations on a code of conduct. behavior in the South China Sea. . ”
He also stressed that China and the regional bloc agreed that the South China Sea concern “should be handled following the dual-track approach, i.e., maritime disputes should be handled properly by the countries directly involved through dialogue and consultation, and peace and stability must be jointly safeguarded by China and ASEAN countries. ”
Apart from the Philippines, the other ASEAN member countries that claim the South China Sea are Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
