The so-called South China Sea arbitration initiated by the Philippines has caused instability and heightened tensions in the region over the past nine years. The Philippines, with the backing of some Western powers such as the United States and the European Union, has been seeking international support to get the ruling implemented and trying to pressure China into compromising its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
But China and key neighboring countries have embraced the concept of a maritime community with a shared future, promoting tangible cooperation in areas such as marine economic integration, ecological protection, and fisheries management. The cooperation has significantly contributed to post-arbitration stability in the South China Sea and, more importantly, helped maintain peace and stability and promote shared development in the region.
The relentless focus on the arbitration of the Philippines and some Western countries is misaligned with regional countries’ sentiments and ends up isolating them from the larger regional community.
The so-called South China Sea arbitration was a political spectacle masquerading as a legal case. Initiated unilaterally by the Philippines, it contravened the agreement between Beijing and Manila to resolve disputes through negotiation. From procedure to substance, the arbitration was fraught with illegality, as the tribunal overstepped its authority, disregarding historical facts and international law. The “award” is nothing more than a piece of paper because it’s devoid of legitimacy and fairness.