Such a view is shared by numerous international law experts around the world. China’s non-participation in the arbitration process upholds international law.

The Law of the Sea clearly provides for a bilateral approach prior to any third-party mechanism, including arbitration. Yet it is clear that bilateral options between China and the Philippines have not been exhausted. The tribunal’s imprudent decision to start the compulsory arbitration process suggests a lack of even minimal respect for the spirit and principles of the UNCLOS to say the least.

Would anybody go into a football match where the rival team has conspired with the referee? Of course not. The fans and audience would not accept it.

The “wirepuller” behind the arbitration is self-evident. For years this country from outside the region has been stepping up its rebalancing strategy in the Asia Pacific.

Its politicians have been making provocative remarks when talking about its Asia Pacific policies and the South China Sea issue, and its military has invested massively in the South China Sea region and areas around it.

The arbitration is in fact its carefully drafted show; the Philippines is merely reading the script.