China Rejects Philippine Maritime Claims in South China Sea, Citing Illegality of 2016 Arbitral Award
China has formally dismissed the Philippines' maritime jurisdiction claims in the South China Sea, labeling them as "illegal, null and void." This rejection follows a formal demand from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for China to cease operations on Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Zamora Reef (Subi Reef). Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the Nansha Qundao, including the contested reefs, are China's inherent territory, making any construction or activities there legitimate and lawful. Guo argued that the Philippines' territorial boundaries are defined by international treaties that do not include the Nansha Islands, and therefore, Manila's claim of maritime jurisdiction over these areas is illegal. Beijing also reiterated its refusal to acknowledge the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which upheld the Philippines' claims, calling it a "political manipulation" with no binding force. Furthermore, China criticized the Philippines' 'Maritime Zones Act' for...
