China’s remarks on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea’s Arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) unmistakably reveal Beijing’s disdain for international norms and laws. By dismissing the arbitral ruling as a “political circus,” China’s official reaction underscores the peril of allowing this burgeoning economy to fully realize its ambitions. This unchecked influence could precipitate a seismic shift in the global geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the immediate need for a united front and heightening the urgency of the situation.

Beijing always claimed that when the Philippines filed a complaint before the UNCLOS, it constituted an official statement questioning the body’s jurisdiction. However, subsequent actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that addressed each claim by the Republic of the Philippines effectively eliminated the question of jurisdiction. The moment Beijing filed that official response, it indicated its intention to be under the jurisdiction of UNCLOS and, therefore, also expressed a desire to respect the body’s ruling.

Since 2017, China has maintained that it did not intend to participate in arbitration, claiming that there is nothing to arbitrate in the South China Sea due to its historical claims to the entire area. This excuse fails to conceal that China continues to be a sore loser. China’s behavior demonstrates a tendency only to respect what benefits itself rather than the global community. This red flag validates the fears of the United States, Europe, and other democratic states in the world regarding the increasing danger posed by China.

China remains the China of 1949—an active participant in seeing the entire world transformed into a global Communist system. China is not the cuddly panda it wants the world to believe. China is a vicious and rapacious state, fooling the world into thinking it has accepted global norms and values when its actions clearly show its disdain for international institutions. This deceptive behavior should make us all the more cautious and vigilant.

Institutions are the pillars of global stability. These norms are established not to pursue Western libertarian values but to ensure that states follow certain standards of behavior to avoid inter-state conflicts. By signing as a member of the UNCLOS, China accepts this reality. Hence, its recent remarks on the UNCLOS ruling are unacceptable and contemptible. They also show Beijing’s potential belligerency whenever faced with unfavorable situations.

China’s current behavior aligns with the West’s perceptions. This demonstrates that China intends to persist in aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Beijing will continue to deploy its naval assets to challenge the Philippines and the entire international community. Approximately 130 member states support this arbitral ruling. When a nation derides this institution, it essentially derides the entire world.

The international community must stand in solidarity by assisting the Philippines in enforcing the arbitral ruling. The U.S. and the West must provide more defensive weapons for the Philippines to defend against threats made by its formidable neighbor. This collective action would serve as a stark reminder to all states, regardless of their size, that disregard for international norms will only lead to catastrophic in enforcing them to shield it from consequences.

China’s disregard for international norms poses a grave threat to the stability of the free world. Beijing must choose– adhere to these norms or face global isolation. The severity of this threat cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that the international community takes a united stand against such behavior.