China ignores deadline to respond to Phl arbitration

MANILA, Philippines - China has ignored the Dec. 15 deadline of the United Nations arbitral tribunal for the submission of its position on a case filed by the Philippines contesting Beijing’s expansive maritime claims.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang reiterated on Monday China’s position that it would neither accept nor participate in the South China Sea arbitration initiated by the Philippines.

Beijing also argued the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction over the case.

“China’s position on the issue of the South China Sea is consistent and clear. We maintain that parties concerned should resolve relevant disputes through consultation and negotiation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law,” Qin said in a press conference in Beijing.

Beijing had already raised its objection to the arbitration process in a position paper released last Dec. 7. But in the same paper, China said it wanted to make sure the five judges hearing the case in the Permanent Court of Arbitration take its arguments into account.

The Philippines early this year filed a 4,000-page memorial or written arguments of its position before the UN body.

Qin said China is hopeful that all parties concerned would work together based on principle established in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

“The Chinese side is resolute in defending its territory and maritime rights and interests,” Qin said. “The Chinese side will have to make necessary response to any intentional and provocative action unilaterally initiated by relevant party,” he added.

An encouraging development for the Philippines recently was the release by the US State Department of a study describing China’s nine-dash line as not in accord with the international law of the sea.

“Studies such as the one produced by US Department of State contribute to the substantive literature that supports the primacy and utility of the UNCLOS for the determination of maritime entitlements, and the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

China is claiming almost the entire South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, citing what it calls historical records as basis.