Manila – The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines over disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea four years ago was “illegal and invalid,” according to the Chinese embassy in Manila.
In a statement, China insisted both the arbitration and the Philippines’ victory have no merit.
“China’s position is consistent, clear and firm. The South China Sea arbitration and its so-called award are illegal and invalid. China does not accept or participate in the arbitration, nor does it accept or recognize the so-called award,” the embassy said.
“China firmly opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on aforesaid award. It has to be highlighted that China and the Philippines have already reached consensus on properly handling the so-called arbitration case, which has laid down solid ground for the turning-around of bilateral relations,” it added.
The statement further said Chinese government hopes, with the current state of China-Philippines relations, the two country can work together to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.
“It is hoped that the Philippines could make concerted efforts with China in jointly securing the hard-won sound momentum of bilateral relations and upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the Embassy said.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, meanwhile, admitted over at a virtual press conference on Tuesday that the two countries have different beliefs on the said arbitral award.
“Unang-una po, hindi tayo nagkaka sundo sa bansang Tsina sa arbitral award na ‘yan,” Roque said. “Ang disagreement na ito ay hindi sumatutal ng ating relasyon sa Tsina. Isusulong natin ang pwede nating isulong sa pagkakaibigan natin sa Tsina.”
“Malinaw ang salita ng Presidente habang umiinit ang rivalry – kailangan itaguyod natin ang pang nasyonal na interes ng Pilipinas,” he stressed. “Isasantabi muna ang bagay na hindi mapagkasunduan, tulad nitong territorial dispute.”
The Hague, in July, 2016, recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, which the Filipino called as West Philippines Sea.
China, however, has refused to recognize the ruling and has built artificial islands there and has prohibited Filipino fishermen from fishing and interfered in petroleum exploration./PN
