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Chinese Experts Warn of Philippines' New Arbitration Schemes in South China Sea
Introduction:
As the 8th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration awards approaches, tensions between China and the Philippines are escalating. Chinese experts have reiterated their stance that the arbitral tribunal's ruling in 2016 exceeded its jurisdiction and was illegitimate. They also caution that the Philippines may be planning a "new arbitration," which could further destabilize regional peace and security.
Background and Recent Developments:
In 2016, an arbitral tribunal issued a ruling that challenged China's claims in the South China Sea, citing violations of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China has consistently rejected this ruling, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty. Recently, the Philippines has been taking frequent actions at Ren'ai Jiao (Ren'ai Reef), exacerbating tensions. Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano recently declared that the Philippines would continue to supply its outposts in the South China Sea without seeking permission from other nations, defying Beijing's demands. This statement followed Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning's comment that China would potentially allow the delivery of essential supplies to the Philippines' illegally grounded warship if notified in advance.
Escalation and External Influences:
Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute at Hainan Tropical Ocean University, predicts that provocations by the Philippines regarding Ren'ai Jiao will escalate. He also anticipates increased support from the United States. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong emphasized that the primary security challenge in the South China Sea stems from external forces, particularly the US. According to Sun, these forces manipulate regional politics and military deployments, intensifying conflicts and undermining the rights of littoral countries.
Potential New Arbitration and Internationalization of the Dispute:
Experts warn that the Philippines' actions are part of a strategy to provoke China into another round of international arbitration. The aim is to involve external forces and internationalize the South China Sea dispute, potentially escalating it into a larger conflict. Gu Xiaosong and other experts argue that the Philippines, having benefited from the initial arbitration, is now seeking a new one to further its claims and internationalize the issue.
Symposium and Scholarly Pushback:
An international symposium in Qingdao, Shandong Province, reviewed the South China Sea arbitration awards. Chinese and global legal scholars unanimously deemed the ruling invalid and detrimental to international law. Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Research Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, highlighted that recent actions by the Philippines at Ren'ai Jiao and Huangyan Dao (Huangyan Island) are linked to the arbitration awards. Wu stressed the urgency for China to voice its opposition and challenge any potential new arbitration efforts.
Conclusion:
The escalating tensions in the South China Sea, driven by the Philippines' actions and potential new arbitration efforts, pose significant risks to regional stability. Chinese experts continue to assert that the 2016 arbitration ruling was illegitimate and warn against further provocations. As external forces, particularly the US, become more involved, the situation remains precarious. Both China and the Philippines must navigate these complex legal and geopolitical challenges to avoid further escalation and maintain regional peace.
- Chinese experts have reiterated their stance that the arbitral tribunal's ruling in 2016 exceeded its jurisdiction and was illegitimate.
- Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano recently declared that the Philippines would continue to supply its outposts in the South China Sea without seeking permission from other nations, de
- Chinese and global legal scholars unanimously deemed the ruling invalid and detrimental to international law.
