State Department: Strong message to China to respect International Law of the Sea

The State Department sent a stern warning to Chinaso as to respect the International Law of the Sea and not to proceed with actions that constitute a flagrant violation thereof.

The above announcement was made on the occasion of the episode that occurred on February 6 in the South China Sea, where Chinese Coast Guard reportedly used laser devices against crew of Philippine Coast Guard ship.

In particular, regarding the incident with the Philippine Coast Guard, the US State Department called on China to respect the final and irrevocable decision by which the International Court of Justice recognized in 2016 the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines in the area disputed by Beijing.

As noted in the statement, “the dangerous operational behavior demonstrated by the People’s Republic of China directly threatens regional peace and stability, violates freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed by international law, and undermines the rules-based international order.” . As reflected in a legally binding decision of the International Court of Justice issued in July 2016, the People’s Republic of China has no legitimate maritime claims to (area) Second Thomas Shoal. The United States reiterates, in accordance with the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, that the 2016 arbitral award is final and legally binding on the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines, and calls on the People’s Republic of China to comply with the award.” .

Given the non-contested nature of the area due to the International Court of Justice ruling, Washington is reminding Beijing that any action against the Philippines in that maritime zone could trigger commitments under the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.