On July 13, Consul General Zhang Zhen hosted a media briefing with focus on addressing the recent hype surrounding the so-called “South China Sea arbitration award”.

Consul General Zhang Zhen elaborated on the historical context, legal facts and China’s principled position on the South China Sea issue, stressing that the “South China Sea arbitration award” rendered by the ad hoc “arbitral tribunal” in 2016 is illegal, null and void. The continued hype over this illegal “award” is inconsistent with the trend of peace and stability in the region, and goes against the aspirations of countries and people in the region for development and prosperity. China remains committed to working with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the DOC and to conclude a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at an early date in order to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

At the briefing, Consul General Zhang also elaborated on the governance philosophy of the Communist Party of China and the remarkable achievements China has made over the years. She refuted the slanderous attacks on China that certain anti-China forces made through a recent photo exhibition, and also reaffirmed ‌the one-China principle‌ on the Taiwan question.

Highlighting the long history of exchanges between China and Cebu, Zhang said the Consulate General remains committed to promoting friendship between the two sides. She also encouraged Filipinos to visit China, saying firsthand experience of the country, its people, and its culture would help foster better understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties.