China reiterates South China Sea arbitration 'award' is illegal and non-binding

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday reiterated that the so-called award on the South China Sea arbitration is illegal and called on the Philippines not to obstruct the formulating of a code of conduct with it.

China has repeatedly stated that the "award," which was rendered on July 12, 2016, after the so-called South China Sea arbitration initiated unilaterally by the Philippines, is illegal, null and void, and non-binding, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, told a regular press briefing.

China neither accepts nor recognizes the "award" nor will it ever accept any claim or action arising from it, Mao added.

She said China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) all agreed to formulate a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), which is part and parcel of implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

China is committed to working with ASEAN countries to accelerate the COC consultations for its early conclusion and keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable, Mao added.

The "award" has absolutely no relevance to the COC, she stressed, adding that the Philippines must not obstruct the COC process with the phony "award."