The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines reiterated on Saturday that China neither accepts nor recognizes the 2016 Hague ruling on the South China Sea, labeling it “a political circus dressed up as a legal action.”
China, advocating for bilateral talks to address South China Sea disputes, accused the Philippines of violating the 2012 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea by opting for arbitration instead of direct consultations and negotiations between the sovereign states involved.
The 2016 ruling declared China’s nine-dash line claim over the majority of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, to have no basis in international law. Additionally, it affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag, Scarborough Shoal) is a traditional fishing ground that should not be blocked by China.
“The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration exercised its jurisdiction ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling. The award thus rendered is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action thereon,” the embassy stated.
In response, the Philippines has garnered support from its treaty ally, the United States, as well as security partners including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan. These nations have condemned China’s aggressive actions and the use of water cannons in the West Philippine Sea, insisting that the ruling is binding despite China’s objections.
The embassy accused these countries and the Philippines of forming a “small circle of the West ganging up against China.”
On Friday, the Philippines marked the 8th anniversary of the Hague ruling, with officials reaffirming their commitment to defending their stance in the West Philippine Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) declared the arbitral award as a “testament to our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” emphasizing the country’s continued commitment to peace despite “unlawful actions which have caused serious incidents” in the South China Sea.
The Department of National Defense (DND) echoed this sentiment, asserting its dedication to protecting Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated, “Ginagawa po namin araw-araw – pinagsisikapan po namin na mapangalagaan ang teritoryo at sovereign rights ng ating bansa upang makinabang ang Republika ng Pilipinas, at hindi ano mang bansa, sa likas na yaman na itinakda ng International Law sa ilalim ng recognized na batas na kinikilala ng maraming bansa, hindi po tulad ng naratibo ng ibang mga bansa na sila lang po ang naniniwala.”
Amid rising tensions with China, the Philippines has increased its engagement with the US and other nations, including conducting joint maritime exercises. Earlier this week, the Philippines and Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing troops from both countries to visit, train, and conduct joint exercises.