South China Sea Dispute - Australia Says Beijing's Claims Have No Legal Basis - BBC News

7/25/2020 South China Sea dispute: Australia says Beijing's claims have no legal basis - BBC News
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South China Sea dispute: Australia says Beijing's claims have no

legal basis
9 hours ago
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Australia has formally rejected China's territorial and maritime claims in the South
China Sea, aligning itself more closely with the US as tensions rise.
In a declaration to the United Nations, Australia said the claims, which take in the majority of
the sea, had "no legal basis". China has not reacted.
It comes after the US called some of China's actions in the area "unlawful".
In recent years China has built bases on artificial islands in the sea, saying its rights go back
centuries.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam contest China's claims. The countries
have wrangled over territory for decades but tensions have steadily increased in recent years,
with several maritime confrontations taking place.
Why the South China Sea is contentious
What might happen next in the South China Sea?
Beijing claims a vast area known as the "nine-dash line" and has backed its claims with
island-building and patrols. It has built significant military infrastructure, although it insists its
intentions are peaceful.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-53536173 1/14
Although largely uninhabited, two island chains in the area - the Paracels and the Spratlys -
may have reserves of natural resources around them. The sea is also a key shipping route
and has major fishing grounds.
In 2016, an international tribunal ruled against China, saying there was no evidence it had
historically exercised exclusive control over the sea's waters or resources. But China rejected
the judgment.
What is Australia's position?

Australia's declaration to the UN, submitted on Thursday, reads: "Australia rejects
China's claim to 'historic rights' or 'maritime rights and interests' as established in the 'long
course of historical practice' in the South China Sea."
The text references the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, adding: "There
is no legal basis for China to draw straight baselines connecting the outermost points of
maritime features or 'island groups' in the South China Sea."
It also said it did not accept Beijing's assertion that its sovereignty over the Paracels and the
Spratlys was "widely recognised by the international community", citing objections from
Vietnam and the Philippines.
Analysts say the declaration marks a dramatic shift in position for Australia, which has
previously urged all claimants to resolve their disputes in accordance with international law.
The move comes amid deteriorating relations between Australia and China over a number of
issues, including an Australian call for a global investigation into the origins of Covid-19, which
first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year.
The text was issued ahead of annual talks between Australia and the US due to take place in
Washington on Tuesday. The two countries are close and long-standing allies.
What is the US position?

The US has long been critical of China's militarisation of the region, and the Trump
administration has recently reversed a policy of not taking sides, explicitly backing the
territorial claims of China's South East Asian neighbours.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this month some of China's actions
were "completely unlawful", condemning Beijing's "campaign of bullying to control" the
area. In response, China said the US "deliberately distorts facts and international law".
Relations between China and the US have also deteriorated recently over issues
including Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, its actions in Hong Kong and its
treatment of Muslim minorities.
Earlier this week, the US ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas,
with Mr Pompeo accusing China of "stealing" intellectual property. China ordered the closure
of the US consulate in Chengdu in response.
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7/25/2020 South China Sea dispute: Australia says Beijing's claims have no legal basis - BBC News

Home News Sport Reel Worklife Travel Future M

South China Sea dispute: Australia says Beijing's claims have no

DIGITALGLOBE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Why the South China Sea is contentious

What might happen next in the South China Sea?

What is Australia's position?

What is the US position?

Australia United States

Share this story About sharing

Refugee detained by Australia granted asylum in NZ

Australia economy suffers biggest hit since WW2

‘I couldn’t compete at Tokyo 2020 - but I can in 2021’

More Videos from the BBC

The top five most Thimmamma Marrimanu: The mysterious

BBC News BBC

BBC News BBC

From Around the Web

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Understand UK Pension Options In Germany with a Free 30

Unique European Maps Show Rarely Considered

Frankfurt Am Main: Wieso ist diese EKG fähige Smartwatch

Germany: 10 Surprising Discounts Seniors Only Get If They

Maps That Are So Terrible They’re Hilarious

Singapore man admits being Chinese spy in US

Poland to leave treaty on violence against women

The week when everything changed for Trump

How masks and acne created new makeup trends

South Koreans debate dog meat

'My husband beat me for telling a doctor my name'

Brazil protesters: 'Black lives matter here, too'

Why US-China relations have reached a low

Why Icelanders are so free-spirited

'I thought I would die under that lorry'

Striking news pictures from around the world

Elsewhere on the BBC

Coronavirus: Spain drives fears of European 'second wave' 2

Peter Green: Fleetwood Mac co-founder dies aged 73 3

Paw Patrol: Cartoon not cancelled despite White House 4

Snowdon: North Wales Police turn 60 cars away before 8am 5

Working from home: How to cut your tax bill 6

South China Sea dispute: Australia says Beijing's claims have 7

Wiley dropped by management over anti-Semitic posts 8

Lee McKnight River Caldew death sparks murder inquiry 9

Did Bournemouth beach crowds spread coronavirus? 10

Why you can trust BBC News

BBC News Services

Get news alerts

Contact BBC News

Explore the BBC

Terms of Use About the BBC

Privacy Policy Cookies

Accessibility Help Parental Guidance

Contact the BBC Get Personalised Newsletters

Advertise with us AdChoices / Do Not Sell My Info

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