Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian rejects U.S., Japan, Philippines concern about South China Sea

CCTV: The US, Japan and the Philippines held their trilateral summit the other days and issued the Joint Vision Statement from the Leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. The statement expressed serious concerns about China’s behavior in the South China Sea and called on China to abide by the ruling of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal. What’s your comment?

Lin Jian: China strongly opposes the practice of bloc politics by relevant countries. We firmly oppose any acts that stoke and drive up tensions and harm other countries’ strategic security and interests. We are seriously against forming exclusive groupings in this region. China does not accept relevant countries’ groundless accusation and deliberate smears against us on the South China Sea.

The award of the South China Sea Arbitration is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or take part in the Arbitration. We do not accept or acknowledge the so-called award. Still less do we accept any claim or action that is based on the award.

The South China Sea Arbitration and its illegal award harm the interests of countries in the region, including the Philippines. No matter how some may try to frame the South China Sea issue, the issue remains what it is. No political manipulation disguised as legal moves will go anywhere or deter China from safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China will continue to firmly safeguard its lawful rights in accordance with domestic and international laws. We urge relevant countries to be sober-minded and change course instead of going further down the wrong path.