China gets into diplomatic protest with Australia over South China Sea

China warned on Thursday of "decisive response" if its sovereignty and security interests are violated in the strategic South China Sea, toughening its stand after an international tribunal struck down its claims over the disputed region. China has also lodged a diplomatic protest with Australia for stating that the award by the international tribunal on the South China Sea (SCS) is legally binding and Australian ships and aircraft would continue to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight rights over the area.

"We have lodged a solemn representation with the Australia about the remarks" made by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters. Bishop had warned China that there would be "strong reputational costs" for ignoring the tribunal's ruling. "As a largest coastal state in SCS, China always respects freedom of navigation and over flights enjoyed by all countries under the international law," Lu said.

"At the same time we will take decisive measures in response to any provocative action attempting to harm China's sovereignty and security interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation," he warned. Answering another question on Mischief reef, called in Chinese Meji reef in the SCS which was awarded to the Philippines by the tribunal, Lu said, "If any one wants to take any provocative action against China's security interest based on the award China will take a decisive response." China landed civilian flights on Wednesday on the runways built on two reefs to assert its claim. It has runways on three reefs which were expanded with reclamation and set up four light houses.

"We hope that the Australian side will take international law seriously, instead of as a trifling matter," Lu said. "I am a little shocked to hear Bishop's remarks. We hope Australia can respect the fair position of majority members of international community," he said. China respects international law - if any nation violates it, the consequences will not be only reputational costs, Lu said, noting that Beijing upholds the sanctity of the international law and rejects any action that violates it.

China urged Australia not to regard the violation of the international law as international law itself, Lu said. Bishop called on all parties to respect the so-called ruling, which she described as final and legally binding, and she also said Australian ships and aircraft would continue to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight rights. Australia is not a party concerned in the SCS issue, Lu said, adding that China hopes Australia will keep its promise of not taking a stand on sovereign claim disputes, and refrain from moves that might damage bilateral ties and regional peace and stability.

Lu said the arbitration unilaterally filed by the Aquino III government of the Philippines, which violated international law, is a political farce under the cloak of law. What the arbitral tribunal did severely deviated from the common practice of international arbitration. The ruling is null and void with no binding force, Lu said.

He said it will in no way affect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the SCS. China opposes and refuses to accept any proposition or action based on the ruling. Answering a question, Lu said China and the Philippines are in contact to discuss future course of action between the two sides after the verdict, which Beijing has rejected. He said the new government in Manila headed by President Rodrigo Duterte is positive about resuming talks with China.

"We welcome that and the door is open for that," he said, adding that the two countries are already in contact with each other through diplomatic channels. Asked about US official's comment that Washington has interest in the Asia Pacific region like China and there will be more competition between America and China in the SCS region in view of the verdict, Lu said China has never tried to deny the legitimate interests of the US the region. "We hope US will play a positive role for peace and stability of the region. I also want to point out that the interest of the US is not the sole interest in the region. China and other countries in the region have our immediate interests. If any outsider wants to safeguard their interests they should not obstruct efforts by regional countries to protect their interests," he said.

Criticising US Asia pivot policy, he said that before US rebalance to Asia policy is implemented, despite differences between the countries in the region, they could properly manage through their efforts and maintain peace and stability of the region and ensure the region as an engine of stable economic growth of the world. "It serves the interests of all parties in the region," he said.

Replying to a question whether China apprehend that other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei will take to international arbitration in view of the tribunal verdict in favour of the Philippines, Lu said for a long period of time countries in the region have been striving to manage their difference and stay committed to the growth of the region. "Under the current circumstances ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries came up with that dual track approach which is that SCS disputes should be resolved by countries concerned through bilateral negotiations and consultations and China and ASEAN countries will work together for peace and stability of the south china sea.

"Peace and stability of the region is shared aspiration of China and other countries," he added.