Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to questions from journalists about the Philippines' statement on the "South China Sea arbitration ruling" issued 9 years ago.

First, the "South China Sea arbitration case" violates the basic principles of international law. Second, the "South China Sea arbitration case" violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Third, the "South China Sea arbitration case" goes against the basic facts of the South China Sea. China has always been committed to peacefully resolving disputes with other parties in the South China Sea through negotiations, fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with ASEAN countries, and promoting the early conclusion of a "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" to provide strong institutional guarantee for maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. We advise relevant countries not to bring up this illegal "ruling" as a valid argument, nor should they attempt to use it as an excuse for infringement and provocation. The result will only be counterproductive and lead to self-inflicted harm.