By Gu Jianjun, postdoctor of Research Department in Development Strategy of the World in Central Compilation and Translation Bureau

On May 12, 2016, the Doha Declaration was passed at the seventh ministerial conference of the Sino-Arab cooperation forum in Doha, Qatar. The Declaration stressed that Arab countries support Beijing to resolve the territory and ocean dispute through friendly negotiations under bilateral agreements with relevant countries.

The sovereignty of States and contracting states of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea deserve the right to choose how to resolve disputes.

Mauritania and Venezuela had also issued a statement calling for direct negotiations among countries concerned. Gabon's Foreign Minister had written to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to support Beijing's stance.

South China Sea Islands have been China's territory since ancient times. In January 2013, the Philippines had unilaterally initiated an arbitration case over the dispute, which ignored the consensus formed by prior negotiations, and a commitment made from Manila in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in South China Sea.

It also ignored China, as a sovereign nation and contracting country of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea with rights to choose ways to resolve disputes.

Manila has exploited the dispute solution mechanism to grab more territory. The Philipppinnes is denying its obligation to respect the territorial sovereignty of other States, which poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Some foreign experts are claiming that the arbitration case proposed by the Philippines does abide by international law. They insist that if Beijing does not comply that should be deemed an act of bullying and they are calling for Beijing to be isolated from the world.

Nevertheless, people know justice in their hearts. Although some Western countries have expressed unfavorable opinions of China over the South China Sea Arbitration case and do not accept the position of Beijing, Western countries do not represent the voice of the entire international community.

The world should be aware that China's Government will not participate in the South China sea arbitration case. Beijing remains a staunch defender of international law and China will never be isolated.

As the saying goes, a just cause enjoys abundant support while an unjust cause finds little support. In addition to capturing consistent support from countries including Fiji and Laos, the Doha Declaration has shown that Beijing's stance will be supported by more nations.

These statements conform with international practices, which do abide by the States to resolve disputes through negotiations that reflect impartiality of the international community.

The Philippines can not deny China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. It could never win recognition from most other countries unless they are incited by nations with ulterior motives.

Gu Jianjun, postdoctor of Research Department in Development Strategy of the World in Central Compilation and Translation Bureau
 

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

Panview offers an alternative angle on China and the rest of the world through the analyses and opinions of experts. We also welcome outside submissions, so feel free to send in your own editorials to "globalopinion@vip.cntv.cn" for consideration.