Chinese Think Tanks Release 96-Page South China Sea Report, Rejecting 2016 Arbitration Award
Updated
Updated · Global Times · Jul 13
Chinese Think Tanks Release 96-Page South China Sea Report, Rejecting 2016 Arbitration Award
2 articles · Updated · Global Times · Jul 13
Summary
A 96-page English report unveiled at a Hong Kong roundtable marks 10 years since the 2016 South China Sea ruling and argues the award is legally void from the outset.
The report says the tribunal violated state-consent principles, ignored China's Article 298 UNCLOS exceptions and exceeded its jurisdiction by touching on territorial sovereignty and maritime entitlements.
It also argues countries including the US, Japan, France and Australia endorse the award while maintaining maritime claims that contradict its standards, portraying their support as geopolitically driven.
The release fits a broader Chinese push against renewed anniversary pressure after a 14-country joint statement, with the Foreign Ministry, embassies and scholars rejecting the ruling and warning it has worsened regional tensions.
Chinese experts say most ASEAN members still prioritize stability and ties with Beijing, while calling for consultations and maritime crisis-control mechanisms instead of using the award to settle disputes.