September 9, Foreign Minister Mao Ning presided over the regular press conference.
AFP reporter asked: Filipino Defense Minister Rodrigo Netrim is said to have received a note yesterday during an international forum, which explained China's stance on the "South China Sea Arbitration Case." Netrim said this is an example of China's violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as an act of "coercion, bullying, and aggression." What is China's response to this?
Mao Ning said: I do not understand the specific circumstances on the scene. Regarding the "South China Sea Arbitration Case", China's position is clear and consistent. The Philippines unilaterally initiated the "South China Sea Arbitration Case", which constitutes a distortion and abuse of the dispute resolution mechanism stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is the Philippines that truly violates the provisions of the Convention and undermines the integrity and authority of the Convention.
We advise the Philippine side to stop engaging in sensationalism and provoking conflicts, as well as to cease damaging China-Philippine relations and the stability of the South China Sea.
