MANILA — Beijing reiterated its firm stance on rejecting any claims or actions arising from the South China Sea Arbitration Tribunal’s ruling.
“China’s position on the arbitral award in the South China Sea is consistent and clear. The arbitral tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction and issued an illegitimate ruling. The resulting award is deemed illegal, null, and void,” stated China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, during a press conference on May 31, 2024.
Mao Ning emphasized that the award is not part of international law and has undermined the international rule of law.
She further stated that China neither accepts nor recognizes the award and will never accept any claims or actions stemming from it.
According to Mao Ning, China’s stance is intended to uphold the integrity and authority of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the international rule of law. “The truth is not hidden from the world,” she asserted.
She also noted that China’s position has garnered understanding and support from the international community, with many fair-minded individuals around the world criticizing and questioning the arbitral award.
(Rep. by el Amigo/MNM)
