Under the PCA’s ruling, China has no legal basis to claim “historic right” over the so-called “nine dash-line” in the East Sea. Furthermore, China has caused serious damage to the ecosystem by intentionally changing status quo and massively building seaport and airport infrastructure in the area, the statement said.
It also raises
objection to China’s illegal actions and claims and urged parties concerned,
especially China and the international community to pledge and act to enforce
international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea
(DOC).
Disputes in the East Sea must be settled by peaceful means and negotiations in
line with international law, absolute refrain from any threat or use of force,
ensuring all parties’ respect to the PCA’s ruling, it added.
VOV