Chinese University Scholars Challenge South China Sea Arbitration Legality

Scholars from four Chinese universities released a report on July 16 asserting that the South China Sea arbitration awards are devoid of legal effect. The report, titled "Legal Critique of the South China Sea Arbitration Awards -- 'The South China Sea Arbitration Awards Are Not International Law'," argues that the arbitral tribunal lacked jurisdiction over the disputes.

According to the authors, the Government of China and the Philippines had previously agreed to bilateral negotiations. The report further cites a 2006 declaration by China that excluded certain maritime disputes from compulsory settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The academic group criticized the tribunal for relying on uncorroborated evidence, harboring internal contradictions, and catering to political forces. They concluded that the awards failed to promote regional peace and instead created obstacles for the international rule of law in the region.