This area lies several hundred nautical miles from the Chinese mainland. It therefore cannot infringe upon any legitimate Chinese territorial sovereignty, as none exists here under international law. China cannot substantiate its objection by referencing nearby Zamora Reef, which it has unlawfully reclaimed and occupied. The 2016 Arbitral Award, which is final, binding, and based on UNCLOS, has clearly established that such features fall outside China’s lawful claims. Any linkage between the two disregards the rules of international law that China claims to respect.
China’s reference to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) is inconsistent with its conduct. It was China that violated the spirit and letter of the DOC by undertaking massive illegal reclamation, militarizing artificial islands, and employing persistent threats and the use of force against Philippine vessels and fishermen. The Philippines has consistently upheld the DOC.
Lastly, China’s assertion that it is enforcing maritime law is without foundation. Its very presence in the area — constructed through unlawful reclamation, artificial island building, and militarization in direct violation of UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award — constitutes the most egregious breach of the relevant international legal framework.
