Vietnam lacks good faith in international law compliance, and has turned back on the promise it made to China to recognize its sovereignty over the Xisha Islands.

China for long time has actively accelerated the transition from the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea to a Code of the Conduct, and it has made clear its position that it wants a final arrangement to be agreed at the earliest opportunity. The Philippines, on the other hand, is putting pressure on the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to support its sovereignty claims over the Huangyan Island and always tries to make trouble with the support of the US, which has curbed efforts to draw up a Code of Conduct.

On Tuesday a Philippine court "sentenced" 12 Chinese fishermen imprisonment ranging from six to 12 years, which is totally violation of international laws. If the Chinese fishermen have violated the convention in the waters under China's jurisdiction, it should be the Chinese - not the Philippine - court's responsibility to punish them. If the Philippines does not nullify the "sentence", it will pay back and be fully responsible for its worsening ties with China.

China must safeguard its national interests and uphold equity and justice without compromising this bottom line. The Chinese leadership has shown wisdom in dealing with the marine disputes and it will continue to do so.

The author is assistant professor of Hainan Provincial Party School.

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