China vows response to Japan over 'South China Sea arbitration award'

China has vowed to take firm and decisive measures in response to Japan's recent provocative remarks and actions regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration award.

Shi Yong, minister at the Chinese embassy in Japan, lodged solemn representations and strong protests to Kanai Masaaki, director-general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, over the Japanese foreign minister's remarks hyping the 10th anniversary of the so-called South China Sea arbitration award and Japan's joint statement with other countries on the issue.

The Chinese side stressed that the so-called arbitration award violated basic principles of international law, undermined the authority and seriousness of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and seriously challenged the international rule of law.

The so-called award has no bearing on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea under any circumstances, the embassy said, reiterating Beijing's long-standing position that it neither accepts nor recognizes any claims or actions based on the illegal ruling.

The embassy also criticized Japan's involvement in the South China Sea issue, saying that Tokyo has no right to comment on it given its own historical record.

Japan's continued meddling and its political manipulation of the illegal award constitute a challenge to the post-war international order and the rule of law, the Chinese side said, adding that such actions undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, run counter to the common interests and will of regional countries, and have drawn serious concern from the international community.

China will firmly respond to Japan's provocations and resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the embassy said.