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Activities of Related Parties

China

After South China Sea Ruling, Beijing Unveils New Guided-Missile Destroyer

On the same day (July 12) that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, Beijing has commissioned its fourth guided-missile destroyer. The latest 052D Yinchuan destroyer was commissioned at a naval port in Sanya, in the Hainan province. Roughly 150 meters long with a 20-meter beam, the ship is one of China’s most sophisticated vessels. On the same day, Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesman for the China's Ministry of National Defense stated that "no matter what kind of ruling is to be made, China’s sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be affected. No matter what kind of ruling is to be made, the Chinese military will firmly safeguard its national sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests, unwaveringly safeguard regional peace and stability and deal with all kinds of threats and challenges."

Beijing rejects tribunal's ruling in South China Sea case

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 12th released a 5-point statement on the South China Sea ruling: (i) The Chinese government immediately stated that the award is null and void and has no binding force; (ii) The unilateral initiation of arbitration by the Philippines is out of bad faith. It aims not to resolve the relevant disputes between China and the Philippines, but to deny China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. The initiation of this arbitration violates international law; (iii) The conduct of the Arbitral Tribunal and its awards seriously contravene the general practice of international arbitration, completely deviate from the object and purpose of UNCLOS to promote peaceful settlement of disputes, substantially impair the integrity and authority of UNCLOS, gravely infringe upon China's legitimate rights as a sovereign state and state party to UNCLOS, and are unjust and unlawful; (iv) China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards. China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards; (v) regarding territorial issues and maritime delimitation disputes, China does not accept any means of third party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China. On the same day, China released the "Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China on China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights and Interests in the South China Sea". China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said that China rejects the South China Sea ruling, reiterating 4 points: (i) The South China Sea arbitration is completely a political farce staged under legal pretext; (ii) China’s position of non-acceptance and non-participation is aimed at upholding international rule of law and rules of the region; (iii) China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are based on solid historical and legal ground; (iv) China will remain committed to peaceful settlement of disputes through consultation and negotiation, and will continue to work for peace and stability in this region. Later, China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi on July 14 gave an interview to state media on the award of the Arbitral Tribunal for the South China Sea arbitration. Yang stated that "this award is illegal and invalid in every sense and the South China Sea arbitration has been a political farce all along, staged under the cover of law and driven by a hidden agenda."

Beijing responds to the South China Sea ruling

In a Regular Press Conference on July 12, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang stated: "We have been saying from the very beginning that we do not recognize, nor participate in the arbitration. Therefore, there isn't any connection between us and the illegal arbitral tribunal in terms of judicial procedures that could possibly generate any legal consequence." Regarding  Japanese Foreign Minister's statementthat the award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of UNCLOS, he said that "Japan is supposed to know well the historical background of the South China Sea issue. It is hoped that Japan would bear in mind the China-Japan relations and regional peace and stability, reflect upon its inciting actions on the South China Sea issue, stop poking its nose into and playing up this issue, and refrain from going further down the wrong path." Responding to question about the irreparable damage to the eco-environment of the Spratly Islands stated in the ruling, he said: "With undeniable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea islands), the Nansha Islands (Spraly islands) and the relevant waters included, China cares about the eco-environment of these places more than any other country, and we have taken an array of measures to effectively protect the eco-environment of these places." Regarding the statement by Spokesperson of US State Departmenton South China Sea arbitration ruling, he stressed: "The US statement turned a blind eye to the facts and endorsed a ruling that is illegal and invalid. Such act went against the spirit of the rule of law, international law, basic norms governing international relations, and its declaration of not taking sides on issues concerning territorial disputes, obstructing efforts by relevant parties to properly manage and control maritime situation and peacefully resolve the disputes." Responding on the speculation that perhaps Vietnam could also launch arbitration, Lu on July 14 said: "ASEAN countries also came up with a dual-track approach, encouraging parties directly concerned to resolve relevant disputes in the South China Sea through direct dialogue and consultation, and China and all ASEAN states to safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea. I believe that most countries in the region are willing to follow this approach like China is." On the event that Philippine President Rodrigo could send a special envoy to China for the inauguration of diplomatic dialogue, Lu on July 15 stated: " We stay committed to properly addressing issues between us through bilateral dialogue, and we have never closed the door for dialogue and consultation with the Philippines. As long as the two sides stick to dialogue and consultation, they will open up a brighter future for bilateral relations."

Chinese leaders reject S. China Sea arbitration award

Speaking at a meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Beijing on July 12, Chinese president said  China will not accept any proposition or action based on the decision by the South China Sea arbitral tribunal. "The South China Sea Islands have been China's territory since ancient times. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests in South China Sea, in any circumstances, will not be affected by the award", he stated.

China insists on right to declare air defense zone
Speaking at a press briefing on July 13 on the release of a White Paper on handling China’s dispute with the Philippines, Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said China had “the right” to establish an ADIZ over the sea, like it did over the East China Sea in 2013. “Whether we need one in the South China Sea depends on the level of threats we face. If our security is under threat, of course we have the right to declare one,” he said. Liu, however, added that China’s goal is not to turn the South China Sea into a “source of war” but a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation and hoped that other countries would work together with it.

China tests two new airfields in South China Sea

China on July 13 successfully tested two new airfields on the Spratly Islands with civil flights, bring the number of airfields open to civil aircraft in the archipelago to three. A flight took off from Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, at 8:30 a.m. and landed on Meiji Reef two hours later, while another took off from Haikou at 8:40 a.m. and landed on Zhubi Reef at 10:28 a.m.. The two flights, an Airbus A319 chartered by China Southern Airlines and a Boeing 737 by Hainan Airlines, both returned to Haikou after a short stay on the reefs.

Freedom of navigation patrols may end 'in disaster': Chinese admiral

Speaking behind closed doors at a forum in Beijing on July 16 evening, Sun Jianguo, an admiral and deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of the powerful Central Military Commission, said the freedom of navigation issue was bogus and one that certain countries repeatedly hyped up. "When has freedom of navigation in the South China Sea ever been affected? It has not, whether in the past or now, and in the future there won't be a problem as long as nobody plays tricks," he said. "China is the biggest beneficiary of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and won't let anybody damage it".

Taiwan rejects PCA ruling

In a statement by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of China (Taiwan), the country stated " The award rendered by the tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the South China Sea arbitration is completely unacceptable to the government of the Republic of China. The ROC government urges that disputes in the South China Sea be settled peacefully through multilateral negotiations, in the spirit of setting aside differences and promoting joint development." On July 13, Taiwan sent a warship to South China Sea. President Tsai Ing-wen rallied troops on the deck of the frigate, saying Taiwanese were determined to "defend their country's rights", before the warship headed for Taiwan-controlled Itu Aba island in the Spratly island chain from the southern city of Kaohsiung. "The South China Sea ruling, especially the categorisation of Taiping Island (Itu Aba Island), has severely jeopardised our country's rights in the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters."

Taiwan to to avoid ‘U-shaped line’

President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration has reached an internal resolution on Taiwan’s territorial claims over the South China Sea, which stresses the nation’s sovereignty over islands in the area, but makes no mention of the so-called “U-shaped line" and “historical waters,” a Presidential Office source said July 14. The government wants to differentiate Taiwan’s claims from China’s and avoid the impression that Taipei and Beijing have a unified stance on the issue, said the source, who asked not to be identified.

Vietnam

Vietnam wants China to compensate for sinking fishing boat

Vietnam has demanded that China compensate Vietnamese fishers onboard a fishing boat that was rammed and sunk by a pair of Chinese coastguard ships off Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands recently. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Le Hai Binh on July 13 strongly condemned the “inhumane” behavior by Chinese coastguards and demanded that China investigate and punish them. “Vietnam demands that China respect international laws, not repeat similar acts, and compensate the Vietnamese fishermen,” Binh said. On July 12, the ministry's representatives met with Chinese embassy’s representatives in Hanoi to hand over a note of protest.

Vietnam demands probe after Thai navy attacks its fishermen at sea

Vietnam has sent a diplomatic note to Thailand asking it to investigate a recent attack by the Thai Navy on three Vietnamese fishing boats in the Gulf of Thailand. According to Nguyen Hai Ngoc, first secretary at the Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok, the incident happened at around 2 p.m. on July 8. Thai vessels attacked the Ben Tre Province-registered boats with a total of 18 people on board, and two people were injured while a man went missing, he said. They also crashed into and sank two boats, he added. Ngoc said that it is against international law and common practice to shoot at foreign fishing boats for such acts. The embassy has sent representatives to Songkhla to assist the fishermen.

Vietnam welcomes tribunal’s ruling issuance

On July 12, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh stated: " Vietnam welcomes the arbitration tribunal’s issuance of the final ruling on July 12 and will issue a statement on the ruling’s content. Vietnam once again reiterates its consistent stance on this lawsuit as it was fully shown in the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s Declaration on December 5, sent to the arbitration tribunal In that spirit, Vietnam strongly supports settling disputes in the East Sea (South China Sea) through peaceful measures, including diplomatic and legal processes without the use or threat to use force, as in line with regulations of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, maintaining peace and stability in the region, security, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight over the East Sea, and respecting the law-abiding principle in seas and oceans.

The Philippines

Philippines welcomes PCA ruling

In a statement on July 12, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said: " Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety. The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea. The decision upholds international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS." During a radio interview on July 13, he said that the Philippine government "will be formulating the succeeding steps in making sure that the decision...will be peacefully implemented." " We are open to making sure that we will have bilateral talks with China in the implementation of this decision of the arbitral tribunal." Speaking at the 20th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Ulan Bator on July 15, Secretary Yasay reiterated the Philippines’ respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea.

Chinese vessel blocks Pinoy fishermen in Scarborough Shoal

Filipino fishermen are still not allowed to fish in the waters of Scarborough Shoal, even after an international court backed the maritime case filed by the Philippines against China. An ABS-CBN News team joined Filipino fishermen in their attempt to enter the area. They were met by a Chinese fishing vessel, which followed them and stopped them from entering the area around Scarborough Shoal. They were met by a Chinese fishing vessel, which followed them and stopped them from entering the area around Scarborough Shoal.

Philippines' Duterte to send envoy to China over sea row

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on July 14 he would send ex-leader Fidel Ramos to China for talks after an international tribunal ruled against Beijing's claims to the South China Sea. "War ... is not an option. So what is the other side? Peaceful talks. I cannot give you the wherewithals now," Duterte said at a college alumni meeting that was also attended by Ramos. "I have to consult many people, including president Ramos. I would like to respectfully ask him to go to China and start the talks."

Myanmar

Myanmar urges countries to respect UNCLOS

In a statement on July 12, Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "Myanmar has taken note of the award made by the Arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII to the 1982 UNCLOS. Myanmar urges all parties to exercise restraint with regard to activities that could increase tension and to refrain from threats or use of force. As a member of the rules-based ASeAN, Myanmar is committed to the principle of rule of law in the conduct of foreign relations throughout the international community. Myanmar will continue to work with ASEAN Member States and China for the full and effective implementation, based on consensus, of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC)."

Malaysia

Malaysia urges countries to avoid escalation in the South China Sea

In a statement on July 12, Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: " Malaysia believes that all relevant parties can peacefully resolve disputes by full respect for diplomatic and legal processes; and relevant international law and 1982 UNCLOS. Malaysia believes that it is important to maintain peace, security and stability through the exercise of self-restraint in the conduct of activities that may further complicate disputes or escalate tension, and avoid the threat or use of force in the South China Sea.  Malaysia cherishes peace and stability of the South China Sea and believes that China and all relevant parties can find constructive ways to develop healthy dialogues, negotiations and consultations while upholding the supremacy of the rule of law for the peace, safety and security for the region.

Singapore

Singapore urges countries to exercise restraint

Speaking at a press conference of Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore's spokesman said: " Singapore has taken note of the Award made by the Arbitral Tribunal convened under Annex VII to the 1982 UNCLOS. We support the peaceful resolution of disputes among claimants in accordance with universally-recognised principles of international law, including UNCLOS, without resorting to the threat or use of force. As a small state, we strongly support the maintenance of a rules-based order that upholds and protects the rights and privileges of all states. Singapore supports the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the expeditious conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Thailand

Thailand urges countries to maintain peace, stability in the South China Sea

In a statement on July 12, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "attaches great importance to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and adjacent areas, as well as restoring trust and confidence among countries in the regions, in order to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and prosperity through cooperation on all constructive activities. The situation in the South China Sea should be addressed through concerted efforts and by every means, on the basis of mutual trust and confidence as well as equitable benefit, to reflect the nature of the long standing ASEAN-China relations. While reaffirming the support for previous ASEAN statements regarding the situation in the South China Sea, Thailand believes that the ultimate goal for all that would benefit the peoples should be to render the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development."

Laos

Lao PM voices support for China's stance on South China Sea arbitration

In a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on July 15, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said that Laos supports China's stance on the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government. The Lao prime minister said his country stands ready to work with China to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea region.

Indonesia

Indonesia calls on parties to respect UNCLOS

In a statement on July 12, Indonesia "calls on all parties to exercise self-restraint and to refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions, and to respect international law including UNCLOS 1982. Indonesia also calls on all parties to continue its shared commitment to upholding peace, and demonstrate friendship and cooperation. Indonesia encourages all claimant states to continue peaceful negotiations on their overlapping claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea in accordance with international law."

Indonesia to deploy F-16 jet, drones, warships around Natunas

Indonesia will sharply strengthen security around its South China Sea islands where there have been clashes with Chinese vessels, the defence minister said on July 13. In an interview with AFP, Ryamizard Ryacudu said bolstering defences around Indonesia’s Natuna Islands would involve deploying warships, an F-16 fighter jet, surface-to-air missiles, a radar and drones, as well as constructing new ports and improving an airstrip. The military build-up, which started in recent months, would be completed in “less than a year,” he said.

The U.S.

The U.S. reiterates that ruling is legally binding

In a statement on July 12, the U.S. said that "The decision today (July 12) by the Tribunal in the Philippines-China arbitration is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea. The United States strongly supports the rule of law. We support efforts to resolve territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea peacefully, including through arbitration. As provided in the Convention, the Tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines. The United States expresses its hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations." Also on July 12, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said: "This tribunal ruling is final and binding on both parties. The United States is not a claimant to any land features in the South China Sea.  Our interest lies in a desire for a peaceful resolution to disputes and competing claims in that region."

Clinton welcomes South China Sea ruling, says critical to U.S. economy

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on July 12 she welcomes an international tribunal's ruling denying China's claims in the South China Sea, saying the waters were "critical" to the U.S. economy. "The U.S. has a deep and abiding interest in the South China Sea and to the free flow of commerce - so critical to our economy - that flows through it. It is important that all claimants abide by this ruling and continue to pursue peaceful, multilateral means to resolve disputes among them," Clinton said in a statement provided to Reuters.

U.S. Congressman urges Senate to ratify UNCLOS

The statement issued by 14 Democratic Members of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services on July 12 stated: "We welcome the Tribunal’s ruling today in the case of The Republic of the Philippines vs. The People’s Republic of China. The ruling underscores the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We view it as binding on both parties involved and we hope that all parties will abide by it. The United States Senate should take steps to do what the last three presidents, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard have long requested: to ratify UNCLOS and to protect U.S. interests by ensuring that the United States is a full and participating party to this important international agreement. The United States will continue to uphold its commitment to the Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, to uphold its commitment to international law in the Asia-Pacific region, and to promote the freedom of navigation in the seas and in the air in accordance with international law.”

U.S. Senators welcome PCA ruling

After PCA issued the ruling on Philippine arbitration case, Senators Mccain and Sullivan released a statement, saying that "With today’s award, China faces a choice. China can choose to be guided by international law, institutions, and norms. Or it can choose to reject them and pursue the path of intimidation and coercion. Too often in recent years, China has chosen the latter. The world will be watching to see the choice China makes. The United States must continue to be clear and consistent in its policy to oppose unilateral actions by any claimant seeking to change the status quo in the South China Sea. We expect that the United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as we have done in the Western Pacific for more than a century. We remain committed to our alliance with the Philippines and to our responsibilities under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951."

China must abide by same rules as everyone

China must abide by the same international rules as everyone else, US Vice-President Joe Biden warned after an UN-backed tribunal ruled against Beijing's claims in the South China Sea. "We expect China to play by the same rules as everyone else," Biden told the Sydney Morning Herald in comments published on July 16, referring to the international rules-based system that governs claims to maritime territory. He added that "we're urging both China and the Philippines to abide by the ruling".

Australia

Australia supports peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea

In a statement, the Australian Government calls on the Philippines and China to abide by the ruling, which is final and binding on both parties. The Tribunal in the Philippines’ arbitration case was established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Tribunal’s decision was not about sovereignty, but about maritime rights under UNCLOS. On July 13, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop stressed: " We call on both the Philippines and China to respect the ruling, to abide by it. It is final and legally binding on both of them. And they are both parties to the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea." In an interview on July 15, Defence Minister Marise Paye said: "My message is the same as the Foreign Ministers which is that the tribunal itself, in the arbitration case was one which was established in accordance to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In that way we’ve supported the rights of the countries, the Philippines in this case, to use the tribunal process to seek to resolve the dispute it has peacefully in accordance to international law."

India

India urges countries to respect international law

In a statement on July 12, India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "India has noted the Award of the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS). India supports freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS. India believes that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability."

S. Korea calls for 'peaceful, creative' efforts to resolve South China Sea dispute

In a statement, Seoul's foreign ministry said South Korea has consistently maintained the view that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved in accordance with relevant agreements and international regulations. "Our government, while bearing in mind the arbitration ruling announced on July 12, hopes for a resolution of the South China Sea dispute through peaceful and creative diplomatic efforts," it said. The ministry also reaffirmed its position that peace, stability and freedom of navigation and flight should be guaranteed in the area that serves as a key maritime trade route.

Japan stresses that PCA ruling is legally binding

In a statement on July 12, Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida made clear that Japan has consistently advocated the importance of the rule of law and the use of peaceful means, not the use of force or coercion, in seeking settlement of maritime disputes. "As the Tribunal’s award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of UNCLOS, the parties to this case are required to comply with the award. Japan strongly expects that the parties’ compliance with this award will eventually lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea." Previously, speaking at a press conference on July 12, Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said: " We urge all parties concerned to react in a way that does not raise tensions. We will keep a close watch on the situation in the East China Sea."

Tokyo seeks to pressure Beijing on South China Sea ruling

At a retreat outside the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the assembled leaders that the rule of law was “a universal principle that the international community must firmly maintain,” according to Japan’s Jiji Press. “I strongly hope the parties to the dispute comply with the award and lead to a peaceful solution of the dispute in South China Sea,” he said.

EU

EU acknowledges Hague Court ruling in South China sea row

European Council President Donald Tusk said on July 13 the European Union has full confidence in the Hague tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea row, after the EU-China summit in Bejijng. "We acknowledge the word issued by the court yesterday. I hope their word is now used to create a positive momentum to finding a solution to the dispute in the South China Sea," he added. Tusk said the European Council understood China’s position in the dispute and vowed to move the strategic partnership between the European Union and China forward. Tusk also calls on China to protect the " rule-based international order, which is in our common interest, and both China and the EU have to protect it, as this is in our people's best interests."

EU urges countries to peacefully resolve South China Sea disputes

In a statement on July 15, European Union (EU) stated that the Union "acknowledge the Award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal. The EU recalls that the dispute settlement mechanisms as provided under UNCLOS contribute to the maintenance and furthering of the international order based upon the Rule of Law and are essential to settle disputes. The EU also underlines the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS, in particular the freedoms of navigation and overflight.

Russia to promote peaceful solution for South China Sea disputes

In a press conference on July 14, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: "It is our position that the states involved in territorial disputes in these seas should honour the principle of the non-use of force, and that they should continue to search for a diplomatic settlement based on international law, mainly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We support ASEAN and PRC efforts to draft a code of conduct in the South China Sea. We support the role of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in ensuring the rule of law during activities in the world’s oceans. Moreover, it is important that the provisions of this universal international treaty be applied consistently and in a way that will not jeopardise the integrity of the legal system stipulated by the convention.

UN Secretary-General calls on parties to adhere by the law

In a press briefing on July 12, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General said that: "The Secretary‑General has consistently called on all parties to resolve their dispute in a peaceful and amicable way through dialogue. He has consistently expressed his hope that the continued consultations on a Code of Conduct between ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] and China under the framework of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea will lead to increased mutual understanding among all the parties."

Regional Snapshots

Hague tribunal rules China's South China Sea claims unfounded

On July 12, an arbitral tribunal announced its verdict on the Philippines' South China Sea case against China in a 500-page document. The Award addresses some issues, namely: Historic rights and the 'nine-dash line'; Status of features; Lawfulness of Chinese actions; Harm to marine environment; Aggravation of Dispute. In details, (i) The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’; (ii) the Tribunal concluded that none of the Spratly Islands is capable of generating extended maritime zones. The Tribunal also held that the Spratly Islands cannot generate maritime zones collectively as a unit; (iii) The Tribunal held that Chinese law enforcement vessels had unlawfully created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels; (iv) The Tribunal found that China had caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems and the habitat of depleted, threatened, or endangered species; (v) The Tribunal found, that China’s recent large-scale land reclamation and construction of artificial islands was incompatible with the obligations on a State during dispute resolution proceedings, insofar as China has inflicted irreparable harm to the marine environment, built a large artificial island in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and destroyed evidence of the natural condition of features in the South China Sea that formed part of the Parties’ dispute.

Sixth annual CSIS South China Sea conference

Coming hours after the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued its verdict on China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, this full-day conference examined both longstanding and emerging issues in one of the world’s most contentious zones. Panels reviewed recent developments, engage on relevant legal and military issues, and discuss the wider geo-strategic implications for the region. This year, CSIS featured for the first time a panel discussing the environmental costs of recent military developments on the ecosystem of the South China Sea.

India, Japan Call on China not to Use Force in South China Sea

Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, issued a joint statement on the recent South China Sea ruling at the conclusion of the annual Indo-Japanese Defense Ministerial Meeting on July 14. In the statement, both Parrikar and Nakatani asked parties involved in the territorial disputes to “show utmost respect” for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). " They reaffirmed the importance of respecting international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS, of the peaceful settlement of the disputes without any threat or use of force, and of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and over-flight as well as unimpeded lawful commerce in international waters."