Hague tribunal rules against Chinese claim to South China Sea

Latin America

The Heat South China Sea Dispute

An international tribunal has found that there is no legal basis for China’s “nine-dash line” claiming rights to much of the South China Sea.

But Beijing has claimed that the arbitration body in The Hague has no authority to hear the case. China neither accepts nor recognizes the result.

According to Xinhua, “China said Tuesday it neither accepts nor recognizes the award of an arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration established at the request of the Philippines.

“The award is null and void and has no binding force,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.”

The Philippine government welcomed a ruling that rejects China’s ‘nine-dash line’ claiming much of the South China Sea.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said in Manila the “milestone decision” was an important contribution to efforts in addressing disputes in the sea.

The tribunal issued its ruling Tuesday in The Hague in response to an arbitration case brought by the Philippines against China.

Story compiled with information from Xinhua and The Associated Press. 

Summary Press Release from The Hague on The South China Sea Arbitration

Full Ruling from The Hague on The South China Sea Arbitration