MANILA — China continues to insist, on the anniversary of the 2016 Hague ruling, that it is “illegal, null and void”.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during their regular press conference on July 13 that the tribunal’s verdict “seriously violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
“China neither accepts nor recognizes it and will never accept any claim or action based on the award,” Wang said. “By doing so, we are upholding international rule of law.”
The ruling nullified Beijing’s nine-dash claims over the South China Sea and stipulated that specific sea areas are within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines.
China has always disregarded the decision, with reports of Chinese vessels swarming Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in disputed waters and Beijing shadowing Philippine boats in the vicinity, among other unlawful operations.
Due to its refusal to recognize the ruling, the Philippines has filed over 200 diplomatic protests against China since 2016.
On July 12, the sixth anniversary of the ruling, the Philippines said that it is indisputable. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said that Manila will “reject attempts to undermine it.”
However, Beijing noted that those who try to implement the ruling “will not succeed.”
“China will respond to such attempts in accordance with law,” Wang said.
China also asserts that the international community has supported its position on the disputed waters. It said that it is collaborating with other Southeast Asian countries to execute the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and that a code of conduct for the contested waters is also in the works.
China calls out US
China also called out the US for allegedly breaking its commitment not to take a stance on sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.
“It has broken its public commitment of taking no position on sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, and sought to drive a wedge between regional countries and undermine peace and stability in the region,” Wang said.
The US previously asked China to adhere by international law and “stop its aggressive behavior,” citing a State Department study indicating that China’s maritime claims over the South China Sea continue to be inconsistent with international law.
Washington on Juy 12 warned that any armed attack against the Philippines in the South China Sea would invoke its commitments under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
China stated that the US decision to take a position in the dispute is “very reckless”.
“We urge the US to respect China’s sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop stirring up trouble and stop using the South China Sea issue to sow discord between regional countries,” Wang said.
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