The territorial dispute over Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea has been a longstanding point of contention between China and the Philippines. China has consistently asserted its sovereignty over the region, citing historical, geographical, and legal arguments. The Chinese Foreign Ministry recently reiterated its position on Ren’ai Jiao, emphasizing its historical claims and refuting the Philippines’ territorial assertions. In this article, we will delve into China’s stance on Ren’ai Jiao, exploring the historical context, international law, and recent developments in this ongoing dispute.
China’s Historical Claims:
China has maintained that Ren’ai Jiao has been an integral part of its territory since ancient times. Geographically, it falls within China’s Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands) and is seen as a crucial component of China’s historical, political, economic, and geographical presence in the South China Sea. This perspective aligns with the widely accepted international consensus and conforms to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
According to a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China’s sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao, has deep historical roots that have evolved over centuries. This assertion is consistent with international law, including the UN Charter, and is a cornerstone of China’s territorial claims.
China’s Position on the Philippines’ Claims:
China has repeatedly emphasized that the Philippines has no legal basis for claiming sovereignty over Ren’ai Jiao, especially based on its proximity to Philippine territory. The Chinese government views such claims as groundless and unsubstantiated.
The spokesperson categorically denounced the South China Sea arbitration award, labeling it as illegal, null, and void. The arbitration, initiated by the Philippines, directly touched upon issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation. However, China contends that territorial disputes are not subject to UNCLOS. Additionally, China invoked Article 298 of UNCLOS in 2006, excluding sea boundary delimitation issues from the jurisdiction of any court or tribunal. Therefore, China argues that the Philippines’ initiation of the arbitration breached UNCLOS stipulations, and the subsequent Arbitral Tribunal’s actions were in violation of the principle of state consent.
The spokesperson further asserted that the Arbitral Tribunal overstepped its authority and rendered a decision that disregarded international law, thereby questioning the legality and legitimacy of the entire arbitration process.
Philippine Actions and China’s Response:
One recent incident that further escalated tensions in the region was the grounding of a Philippine military vessel at Ren’ai Jiao. China interpreted this action as a grave violation of its territorial sovereignty. The spokesperson expressed China’s stern objection to such provocations and emphasized that China could not tolerate any repetition of the Philippines’ actions, which it viewed as a breach of trust.
China’s Call for Peace and Stability:
In conclusion, China reiterated its call for the Philippines to take China’s concerns seriously and refrain from provocative actions in the South China Sea. China urged the Philippines to cease groundless attacks and smears and emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could undermine peace and stability in the region or harm the common interests of the countries involved.
China’s position on Ren’ai Jiao and its territorial claims in the South China Sea remains steadfast, rooted in historical, legal, and geographical arguments. As the dispute continues, it is essential for both parties to engage in diplomatic dialogue and work toward a peaceful resolution that respects international law and fosters regional stability.
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