Wang Yi: "The South China Sea arbitration case is a political farce and should be swept into the dustbin of history."

On July 12, 2025, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the annual series of East Asia Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Kuala Lumpur and gave an interview to Chinese media. Wang Yi said: Every year, the East Asia Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meetings will discuss the South China Sea issue, and this year is no exception. However, my prominent feeling this time is that there is a significant difference in temperature between regional countries and a few countries outside the region. At the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, discussions on the South China Sea issue have become more peaceful and confident, as compared to other seas in the world, the South China Sea is obviously stable, and there are no issues with freedom of navigation and overflight. Some countries outside the region always like to meddle in the South China Sea issue, although the tone this year has visibly decreased, it has not stopped, fearing that the South China Sea will not be in chaos. Regional countries have seen through these old tricks very clearly. At the meeting, I proposed that a new narrative should be built in the South China Sea, which means that mentioning the South China Sea should not immediately bring about thoughts of friction, conflict, or even confrontation, but should instead focus on peace, stability, and cooperation, which should become the mainstream narrative of the South China Sea in the future. Currently, China and ASEAN countries are working towards this direction. Of course, there is still one country that seems a bit out of place with everyone else, but I believe it will eventually come to understand. Being someone else's pawn will eventually lead to being sacrificed. China and ASEAN countries all agree on upgrading the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" to a "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", ensuring that the "code" is effective, substantial, and in line with international law. Everyone also agrees to strive to achieve the "code" as scheduled next year. Next, the intensity of negotiations will increase, and progress will be accelerated. We have full confidence, ability, and wisdom to maintain the stability of the South China Sea, eliminate external interference, and together build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. During the meeting, I also clarified China's position on the so-called "South China Sea arbitration case". This "arbitration case" has serious flaws in fact-finding and legal application, and it is using the banner of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to violate the Convention. The damages to regional peace and stability and national maritime order are becoming increasingly apparent. We cannot help but ask, if abuse of compulsory arbitration is allowed, what is the point of diplomatic efforts? Should bilateral consultations be abandoned? Does the commitment in the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" still have any validity? Should territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation issues be submitted for arbitration, and should exclusivity declarations made by parties in accordance with the Convention be respected? Does the agreement between the Philippines and China on resolving issues through dialogue still count? If all islands and reefs in the South China Sea have no right to claim maritime rights, does the world's maritime map need to be redrawn? The facts prove that the "arbitration case" is a political manipulation and should be consigned to the dustbin of history.