China dismisses PH appearance before UN tribunal

The Chinese government has reiterated its position of “not participating” in the arbitration case filed by the Philippines before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) over a dispute in the South China Sea.

“China has made it pretty clear of not accepting nor participating in the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines,” Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said in a press conference.

The Philippine government has submitted a petition before ITLOS to nullify China’s claim over the South China Sea.

China, however, has refused to heed the protests claiming indisputable sovereignty over the territory.

“The arbitration violates the consensus the Philippines has affirmed with China on many occasions, as well as its solemn commitment made in the Code of Conduct. China opposes any actions taken by the Philippines to initiate and push ahead with the arbitration,” Hua said.

“China’s position is clearly stated in the Position Paper of the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Matter of Jurisdiction in the South China Sea Arbitration initiated by the Republic of the Philippines, which was released last December,” she added.

The Philippines has sent a high-level delegation to the oral arguments at The Hague in the Netherlands.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement On Wednesday, said the proceedings on Tuesday went as planned.