China has reaffirmed its rejection of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award, calling it a "violation of international law" on the ninth anniversary of the controversial ruling. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated the decision remains "illegal, null, and void," emphasizing Beijing\u2019s unwavering stance on territorial sovereignty.
Legal Foundations Challenged
The spokesperson criticized the Philippines for initiating arbitration without prior consultation with China, violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The process breached the principle of pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept) and ignored China\u2019s 2006 declaration excluding maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration under UNCLOS.
UNCLOS Dispute Mechanism 'Abused'
China argues the tribunal overstepped its authority by addressing territorial issues outside UNCLOS\u2019s scope, undermining the convention\u2019s integrity. Legal experts globally have questioned the award\u2019s validity, citing flawed interpretations of maritime entitlements. The ruling controversially reclassified Taiping Dao\u2014a 500,000-square-meter island\u2014as a "rock," which China claims distorts international law.
Path to Regional Stability
China reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue with ASEAN nations, urging full implementation of the DOC and expedited adoption of a Code of Conduct. "Provocations based on this illegal award will backfire," the spokesperson warned, stressing collaboration to ensure peace in the strategic waterway.
