The Permanent Court of Arbitration has been finally decided that there was no evidence China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or resources on South China Sea.
The tribunal also said that Beijing had violated international law by causing severe harm to the coral reef environment and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from harvesting endangered sea turtles and other species “on a substantial scale.”
“It’s an overwhelming victory. We won on every significant point,” said the Philippines’ chief counsel in the case, Paul S. Reichler, reports from NY Times.
“This is a remarkable victory for the Philippines.” he added.
But China immediately opposes the tribunal ruling and reiterated that China would not abide by the decision.
In its statement, “China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards”.
“The award is invalid and has no binding force,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement in its website. “China does not accept or recognize it.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary of the Philippines, Perfecto Yasay said that Manila welcomed the decision and called on all concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.
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