Justice is China's best ally in sea dispute

WANG XIAOYING/CHINA DAILY

The South China Sea arbitration case initiated by the Philippines is based on its illegal actions and illegal appeal. The arbitral tribunal does not have the jurisdiction over the South China Sea dispute between Beijing and Manila and therefore its ruling is null and void.

The arbitration should have been opposed by the international community. But some countries with ulterior motives, led by the United States, have hyped up the case. Japan has used the case to fulfill its own purpose, trying its best to lure the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to its fold, by making promises and passing irresponsible remarks to show its concern over the South China Sea dispute, and claimed the tribunal ruling is binding on China.

Yet people familiar with the South China Sea dispute know that by appealing to form an arbitral to deal with the case, the government of former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III violated its agreement with China, including the one in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the dispute settlement rules of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The tribunal has wantonly abused its power and gone beyond its jurisdiction to pass the ruling. Its trial and investigation on historic rights based on customary laws, islands' and reefs' territorial status and maritime demarcation are beyond the authorization of UNCLOS, so they trample the rule of law and challenge the basic principles of international relations.

Such actions are unacceptable to peace-loving countries. China has always adhered to negotiations on the basis of the declaration. And its stance is winning more and more support and understanding from the international community.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a joint statement with China in support of Beijing's stance on the South China Sea during his visit to China in early April. Foreign ministers of China, Russia and India issued a joint communiqué on April 18, saying the South China Sea disputes should be settled through negotiations among disputing parties in accordance with UNCLOS and the declaration.

More than 70 countries have in different ways supported China's stance on the South China Sea issue. And some international organizations such as the League of Arab States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and dozens of foreign party leaders have issued statements supporting China's stance.

Additionally, many scholars and think tank members across the world, including Western countries, such as the US, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany, have said they agree with China's stance from the standpoint of law and history.

It seems the US is plotting with its allies to take advantage of its hegemony in the global media and start a media war against China. But such countries stand on the opposite side of justice and history. Their choice has isolated them and helped China get more supporters. Justice is the best ally China has in the international community.

The article first appeared in People's Daily.