China rejected Poland’s backing of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling after Polish Deputy Foreign Secretary Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski stated in a Philippine media interview that Beijing is obliged to comply with the decision. According to Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, speaking on September 17, Beijing maintains that Poland is not a party to the dispute and must respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the region.
Diplomatic Clash Over the 2016 Arbitration Ruling
The diplomatic friction intensified following an interview given by Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski to Philippine media outlets. During the exchange, Bartoszewski asserted that China is obliged to comply with the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award and declared that Poland supports the Philippines on the issue.
In response, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng issued a sharp rebuttal via the embassy’s WeChat account. Ji stated that the arbitration case violates fundamental principles of international law, including state consent and pacta sunt servanda. Furthermore, Beijing argues that the proceedings breached the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and runs counter to the basic facts concerning the South China Sea.
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Beijing Calls on Warsaw to Cease Endorsement
China’s official stance characterizes the 2016 arbitration outcome as an illegal and invalid piece of paper with no binding force. According to Ji Lingpeng, Beijing neither accepts nor recognizes the award and opposes and rejects any claims or actions based on it.
The Chinese Embassy urged Polish authorities to exercise prudence in their words and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Poland say about the South China Sea?
Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski stated in a Philippine media interview that China is obliged to comply with the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award and that Poland supports the Philippines.
How did China respond to Poland’s stance?
According to Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, Beijing rejected Poland’s backing, calling the arbitration ruling illegal and invalid, and urged Warsaw to respect China’s maritime rights and stay out of the dispute.
Is Poland a party to the South China Sea dispute?
No. Chinese officials emphasized that Poland is not a party to the South China Sea issue.
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