THE South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines has drawn worldwide attention. Experts from over 130 foreign political parties and organizations have expressed their support of China’s position and urged the parties directly involved to solve the disputes through negotiations and consultations.
“We think it is not helpful to internationalize the disputes. Related parties should resolve the issue peacefully through bilateral negotiations. We agree with China’s long-standing position,” said Jose Jara, professor of the Mayor University in Chile.
“We think China is on the right path. We hope that the countries involved can move forward on the issue accordingly,” said Louedes Palacios, Committee Member of the Salvador Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front.
Direct talks urged
“I think disputing parties should tackle the problem through direct talks. I think bilateral negotiations is the best way to guarantee a long-term solution. Unilateral actions by the Philippines are not helpful at all,” said Jan Kohout, Foreign Affairs Consultant to the Czech President.
“The international community should encourage China and the Philippines to settle their disputes through discussions. A solution provided by a third party that is not recognized by both sides won’t work,” said Victor Burikukiye, Vice President of the Burundi National Council for the Defense of Democracy.
On Jan. 22, 2013, the Philippines unilaterally filed arbitration against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague with respect to the dispute in the South China Sea.
Since then, the Philippines has obstinately pushed for arbitration despite China’s objections.
Plenty of evidence shows that the Philippines’ true purpose is to deny China’s territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and legitimize its illegal occupation of them, Chinese observers have said.
China has stated it will never ever accept any imposed solution or unilateral resorting to a third-party settlement on issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. (Courtesy China Central Television)
