Beijing: China's position on the "2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea" remains consistent and clear. A foreign ministry spokesperson stated that the "award" is considered by China to be illegal, null and void, and non-binding.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the spokesperson described the award as "nothing but a piece of waste paper" during a statement made in response to the Philippines' comments on the 9th anniversary of the award. The Chinese government has maintained its stance on the matter, asserting that the arbitration tribunal's decision does not alter its claims or actions in the South China Sea.