China’s statement confirms every fact the PCG reported. It admits that a Chinese research vessel was operating near Hubo Reef, Escoda Shoal, and Katimugan Bank, with PLA Navy and China Coast Guard vessels nearby. The only dispute is over who has the right to be there, and international law has already settled that.
On Point I: “Nansha Qundao” and “sovereign rights over the relevant waters” 1. China cannot enclose the Spratlys as a single unit. The 2016 Arbitral Award rejected archipelagic or straight …
