Warning from Beijing: Europe Could Lose Out if It Continues to Support SCS Arbitration Ruling

The Chinese government is urging European countries to cease their support for the 2016 South China Sea (SCS) Arbitration Ruling, which it considers illegal. Beijing has warned these nations not to take steps that could disrupt relations and cooperation with China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that several European countries recently joined the United States and the Philippines in issuing a joint statement to mark the 10th anniversary of the arbitration ruling. Additionally, the European Union issued its own statement regarding the South China Sea dispute. “European countries should act prudently and stop supporting the so-called illegal South China Sea Arbitration Ruling so as not to disrupt relations and cooperation with China,” Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. Lin accused the joint statement of distorting facts and deliberately discrediting China’s position on the South China Sea dispute. “These statements distort the facts and deliberately smear China. China deeply regrets and firmly opposes them,” Lin stated. Beijing reiterated that the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague on 12 July 2016 has no legal force and is not binding on China. Since the ruling was issued, the Chinese government has consistently refused to recognise or implement it. The arbitration ruling previously upheld most of the Philippines’ claims against China’s historical claims in the South China Sea. The tribunal declared that the ‘nine-dash line’ claim submitted by Beijing has no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Beijing’s latest statement comes as tensions in the South China Sea return to the international spotlight, following increased support from Western countries for freedom of navigation and the enforcement of international law in the region. China, conversely, maintains that territorial disputes must be resolved through direct dialogue with the countries involved, without interference from external parties.