New Delhi : Chinese Ambassador to India and Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Mr. Xu Feihong, has issued a statement reiterating China’s position on the South China Sea dispute, asserting that China’s sovereignty over the Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea Islands) and related maritime rights have been established through history and are supported by legal grounds.
In his statement, Ambassador Xu described the “South China Sea Arbitration Award” as a political act presented in the form of a legal process. He claimed that the arbitral tribunal had exceeded its authority and misused its jurisdiction while issuing the decision, which, according to China, is illegal, invalid, and without binding effect.
The Chinese Ambassador stated that the arbitration ruling would not alter what China considers its historical rights and jurisdiction over the Nanhai Zhudao and surrounding waters. He added that the decision would neither affect China’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime interests nor change its position that relevant disputes should be resolved through direct negotiations and consultations among the countries concerned.
Ambassador Xu further stated that China would continue working with regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and promote economic development and cooperation in the region.
The South China Sea remains a major regional issue involving competing territorial and maritime claims among several countries, with international attention focused on maintaining stability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international maritime norms.