China has reiterated that the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling is illegal, null and void, rejecting claims that it is legally binding. Chinese officials maintain that the country neither accepts nor recognizes the ruling, insisting it has no legal effect.

According to China’s position, the arbitration was initiated without its consent, exceeded the tribunal’s jurisdiction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and contained significant legal and factual flaws. China argues that issues involving territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation should be resolved through direct negotiations rather than arbitration.

China also called for regional countries to continue addressing South China Sea differences through dialogue and consultation, while supporting ongoing efforts between China and ASEAN to advance a Code of Conduct aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Source: People’s Daily