The Philippines has turned down a Chinese proposal to start bilateral talks, its foreign minister said on Tuesday, because of Beijing's pre-condition of not discussing a court ruling that nullified most of its South China Sea claims.

The Hague Tribunal this week issued a decision that will most likely become a tool in the hands of the defenders of the status quo. How events will develop will depend on Duterte’s disposition, China’s diplomatic sagacity, and America’s response. If the China and the Philippines are unable to meet somewhere in the middle, it is the “law” that China will reject.

After the South China Sea arbitration ruling, uncertainty and friction may increase in the region. However, the economic promise of China’s rise and the Asian century will only materialize with peace and stability in the region.

—— Opening Remarks at International Law Colloquium on Maritime Disputes Settlement (15 July 2016) Introduction I’m greatly honored to have the opportunity

The ruling at The Hague may well lead us nowhere. Indeed, it is possible that the outcome may lead us to a crisis of enormous consequence. Can we turn this crisis in to an opportunity?

China’s top envoy in Washington elaborates on why China rejects the arbitration on South China Sea, how China plans to deal with the disputes after the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and challenges the U.S. to “make the right choice” in relations with China.

The author argues that China should work to bring the Code of Conduct it has been discussing with ASEAN to a conclusion and continue to engage concerned states in dialogue. He also cautions that Washington must be careful not to inadvertently contribute to the militarization of the region.

Following an international tribunal's announcement of its ruling on the South China Sea disputes between the Philippines and China, Chinese scholar Shen Dingli argues the Permanent Court of Arbitration overreached to consider a case which is about sovereignty in nature, adding the ruling runs counter to what an international convention is all about - respecting the rule of law while contributing to reconciliation.

In ignoring an upcoming verdict on the South China Sea, Beijing is following well-established precedent by great powers.

China has an overall strategic environment and strategic tasks that are much bigger than the South China Sea issue. China should proceed from the perspective of the strategic situation, make peace with neighboring countries, and finally persuade the US to accept China’s role in Asia. Governments of China’s neighbors may support one element in the Chinese government’s basic position on the South China Sea issue, but not necessarily all elements, and Beijing must balance its strategic priorities.