What legal basis does China cite for its South China Sea claims?

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China's Asserted Legal Basis for South China Sea Claims Remains Undefined in Public Statements

China asserts its rights in the South China Sea, stating it will "legitimately defend" them in accordance with the law. Beijing claims nearly the entire waterway and maintains a position of "high restraint" regarding maritime disputes. However, specific legal arguments or historical interpretations underpinning these claims are not detailed in public statements from Chinese officials.
Assertions of Legitimate Defense

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing will "legitimately defend" its rights in the South China Sea. He also mentioned that China "does not allow our goodwill to be abused, and we do not accept the distortion or deliberate infringement of maritime laws." These remarks suggest a reliance on legal principles, though the precise legal framework is not elaborated upon.
Claims of Sovereign Waters

Following clashes with Philippine ships, Beijing stated it "took control measures" against what it described as Philippine vessels' "illegal intrusion" into its sovereign waters. This framing implies that China considers the areas where these incidents occurred as undeniably under its jurisdiction, without specifying the historical or legal precedents it draws upon for this designation.
Disregard for International Arbitration

China's assertion of sovereignty in the South China Sea persists despite an international arbitration ruling that found its expansive claims lack a legal basis. While Beijing acknowledges the existence of competing claims from Southeast Asian nations, its official pronouncements focus on defending its perceived rights rather than engaging with the specifics of the international legal challenge.

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What legal basis does China cite for its South China Sea claims?

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