China reiterates rejection of UN arbitration on sea row

MANILA, Philippines - China has reiterated its rejection of arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines to settle the territorial row over the West Philippine Sea.

China relayed its position in a note verbale to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) dated Aug. 1.

PCA said China “reiterated its position that it does not accept the arbitration initiated by the Philippines.”

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), parties engaged in maritime disputes may seek help from Arbitral Tribunal.

“The Arbitral Tribunal proceedings will continue even without the participation of China,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

Members of the Arbitral Tribunal held their first meeting at the Peace Palace in The Hague last July 11.  

The tribunal directed the Philippines to fully address all issues, including matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal, the admissibility of the Philippines’ claim, as well as the merits of the dispute.

The Arbitral Tribunal will determine the course of proceedings, including the schedules of hearings and submission of pertinent papers.

The Philippines served Beijing last Jan. 22 with a Notification and Statement of Claim “with respect to the dispute with China over the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.” –  With Jaime Laude