China’s New Initiative Marks 10 Years Since The Hague Decision on South China Sea

Despite marking a decade since the Hague ruling on the South China Sea, Beijing has dismissed the decision as null and void. A coalition of 14 countries, including the United States and the Philippines, has pressured Beijing to acknowledge and implement this legally binding ruling. Chinese analysts suggest breaking the diplomatic deadlock by focusing on dialogue and pragmatic cooperation through international mediation mechanisms. Kathmandu, 30 Ashar.

It has been ten years since the Hague tribunal issued its ruling related to the South China Sea. Analysts advise Beijing to continue diplomatic engagement respectfully and also recommend seeking international mediation. The unimplemented ruling has not succeeded in easing regional maritime tensions, they argue. The decision, issued by an international tribunal in 2016, invalidated most of China’s historical and economic claims in the South China Sea. Beijing firmly rejected the ruling at that time.

These assessments come at the end of a week marked by fresh accusations and counter-accusations regarding the ruling. Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the decision. The coalition led by the US and the Philippines called the ruling “legally binding and final.” They criticized Beijing for refusing to recognize or implement the ruling. On the same day, Beijing responded by describing US-led military operations as the “primary threat” to regional peace in the South China Sea.