Another blow to the China’s claim in the maritime region came when an worldwide tribunal ruled that it had jurisdiction in a case brought by the Philippines on maritime dispute case.
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The official who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed the Aquino government remained firm in its stand to follow the “rule of law” for a peaceful resolution of the dispute by filing an arbitral petition in 2013 before the United Nations tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands.
In Thursday’s ruling, the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague rejected Beijing’s claim that the disputes were about territorial sovereignty and said additional hearings will be held to decide the merits of the Philippines’ arguments.
Earlier this week, the USA sailed a warship through the South China Sea, a key shipping lane, in order to underline freedom of navigation in the area, provoking an angry response from China.
“It is in essence not an effort to settle disputes but an attempt to negate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea”, the ministry added. It will also be the key foreign relations issue that will determine how a rising China will deal with a still very strong U.S. China’s claims in the sea could severely restrict the U.S.’s ability to operate in the South China Sea.
The sailing of the United States guided missile destroyer within 12 nautical miles (22-kilometer) of the reef was one of the boldest steps by the Obama administration which is facing a long-time demand from the Congress to thwart the island-building process by China.
Its sovereignty has been claimed by a number of nations. FONOPS in South China Sea are not meant to be provocative, as they are regarded as a peacetime operation (even though there is inherent risk associated with them).
“It shows that judging issues like this on the basis of global law and worldwide practice are a viable way of, at a minimum, managing territorial conflicts if not resolving them”, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
However, it only so far declared jurisdiction over identifying the maritime entitlements of land features in the disputed waters, and certain alleged acts of aggression by China against Filipino fishermen.
“It won’t affect China’s sovereignty rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea, our rights will not be undermined”.
Also, the South China Sea islands were first discovered, named, and used, as well as incorporated into national territory, by the Chinese, the ministry said.
Additionally, Harry Harris, the commander of the US Pacific Command, will make an official visit to Beijing “within this year”, Yang disclosed, although he said the details were being negotiated.
China should realize that its actions in the South China Sea are alienating members of the worldwide community that are interested in its “One Belt, One Road” development strategy to promote economic cooperation among Eurasian countries, and in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
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Wu was expected to express “a solemn and just stance” to Richardson on behalf of China regarding the Nansha incident, Yang said.
