Advertisement
Beijing slams Manila over South China Sea claims ahead of 2016 Hague anniversary
Philippines’ claims lack historical and legal basis, state-affiliated think tank says in another critique of maritime dispute
3-MIN READ3-MIN
5
Listen
Beijing has issued a lengthy critique of the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea, condemning its actions as “unlawful” expansions that pose a “grave threat” to the post-war global order.
Wednesday’s report by a Ministry of Natural Resources think tank – its third within days – marks the latest move in China’s campaign to reinforce its position in the disputed waters.
The push underlines Beijing’s rejection of the Philippines’ stance just days before the 10th anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling that invalidated key elements of China’s claims. China did not take part in the arbitration and does not recognise the ruling.
Manila had offered “shifting” justification for its claims over the decades, the China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA) in Beijing said in its report, citing successive territorial claims to Scarborough Shoal and parts of the Spratly Islands. The features are also claimed by China, which calls them Huangyan Island and the Nansha Islands, respectively.
Manila’s “attempt … to extend its territory” to those maritime features was “devoid of historical and legal foundation”, the 62-page English-language version of the report argued.
It said “a comprehensive analysis of credible historical sources and generally recognised rules of international law” showed that Manila had no sovereignty over Scarborough or any of the islands and reefs in the Spratlys.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x