China protests Japan over backing 2016 South China Sea ruling

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Beijing: China has issued a formal protest to Japan after Tokyo joined 13 other countries in confirming a landmark 2016 international arbitration decision that rejected Beijing's general claims in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry called Japan's ambassador and accused Tokyo of interfering in regional matters, claiming it had ‘no position’ to speak on South China Sea conflicts. Beijing also denounced Japan's support for the verdict as a violation of China's sovereignty and territorial interests.

The joint statement, issued on the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's verdict in The Hague, confirmed China and the Philippines' 2016 award as final and legally binding. It also urged the parties to settle issues peacefully and in conformity with international laws.

China, on the other hand, underlined that it does not recognise the tribunal's ruling, describing it as ‘illegal,’ ‘null and void,’ and lacking legal authority. Beijing maintained control over the disputed waters and accused foreign countries of exploiting the situation to restrict China's rise.