(Opinion) Why China Won't Accept International Arbitration in the South China Sea
2014-12-09 08:39:09 source：The Diplomat
By Shannon Tiezzi
December 9, 2014
'On December 7, China's Foreign Ministry released a copy of China's position paper regarding the Philippines' appeal to international arbitration over South China Sea disputes. It’s the first time China has outlined in detail its position regarding the case. China has long stated that it will not participate in or accept the results of the arbitration; the release of the position paper provides a legal justification for that stance.
According to Xu Hong, the director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Treaty and Law, the government decided to release the paper to clear up misperceptions of China's position. "Some people, who do not know the truth, have questioned China's position of not accepting or participating in the arbitration. Some others, who harbor ulterior motives, have made... accusations or insinuations that China does not abide by international law," Xu explained. In response to those criticisms, Xu said, the position paper "debunks the Philippines’ groundless assertions and projects China's image as a defender and promoter of the international rule of law."'
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