Contradictory statements show Beijing missing mark

What is asserted without proof can be denied without reason. But against proof and reason, who can deny the truth?

China has taken a dogmatic stance – that it would “not accept any means of third-party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China” Contrarily, the UN arbitration tribunal is not a third party but a legal body recognised by the international community. Neither is the tribunal going to impose “any means of dispute settlement or solution” on China. It will just issue a court ruling that China, as a member of the United Nations, needs to respect. The US is not a party to the dispute, but it’s a vital part of the world confederated under the UN. Hence the role of the US (and the world) is to ensure that security, equity, justice and truth prevail in the resolution of the dispute over Scarborough Shoal, especially in light of a UN court verdict. This is entirely legitimate and should not be construed as meddling or overstepping.

I find China’s pronouncements very contradictory, that it will “continue to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and will continue to work with states directly concerned to resolve the relevant disputes … through negotiations and consultations on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, so as to maintain peace and stability in the South Sea.” Sadly, the China won’t budge. It seems to be too “tough”, thereby missing the mark and limiting itself to only two options: War or peace.

Reni M Valenzuela

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN)