China reaffirms its rights in the South China Sea, cites international law

MANILA – China once again rejected international pressure and downplayed the effect of its controversial new Coast Guard Law, invoking international law by asserting sovereignty over the disputed South China Sea.

Speaking on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China is simply defending its “territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

Zhao also noted that despite this, the nation remains committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“China’s sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed over the course of a long history and are in line with international law and practice,” the spokesman said.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a strategic waterway through which more than a third of world trade passes. The fortification of artificial islands with military assets, including runways and anti-ship missiles, has drawn harsh criticism from other claimants.

The nation will also continue “to safeguard peace and stability” in the disputed area with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to the spokesman.

ASEAN and China are currently negotiating a binding Code of Conduct in the disputed waters.

“China hopes that countries outside the region will duly respect the efforts of China and other countries in the region to properly handle maritime disputes and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the official explained.

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The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Teodoro Locsin, Jr., said that already filed a diplomatic protest against China’s move, despite previously saying on Twitter that the Chinese coastguard law “is not our business.”

The United States has been rejecting China’s maritime claims in the disputed area, saying its claims are beyond what is allowed under international law.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week that the United States “pledged to support” the Southeast Asian plaintiffs despite pressure from China.