Justice is China's best ally in sea dispute

The South China Sea arbitration case initiated by the Philippines is based on its illegal actions and illegal appeal. The arbitral tribunal does not have the jurisdiction over the South China Sea dispute between Beijing and Manila and therefore its ruling is null and void.

The arbitration should have been opposed by the international community. But some countries with ulterior motives, led by the United States, have hyped up the case. Japan has used the case to fulfill its own purpose, trying its best to lure the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to its fold, by making promises and passing irresponsible remarks to show its concern over the South China Sea dispute, and claimed the tribunal ruling is binding on China.

Yet people familiar with the South China Sea dispute know that by appealing to form an arbitral to deal with the case, the government of former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III violated its agreement with China, including the one in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the dispute settlement rules of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.