Can China Regain International Trust Without Respecting International Law?

For decades, the international community has honored the One China Policy — sacrificing ties with Taiwan in deference to Beijing’s sovereignty. This respect was given in good faith, anchored on the hope that China would, in turn, uphold the same international rules and robust law that sustain global order.

But instead of rewarding this trust, Beijing has returned it the other way around. Its refusal to recognize the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal ruling, along with its continued aggression in the South China Sea, shows a selective approach to international law: follow it when convenient, dismiss it when not.

This contradiction poses a question the world can no longer ignore: Can China still demand loyalty to One China while disregarding the very international laws it expects others to respect?

Why the One China Policy Is at Stake

The One China Policy has endured because the world chose to prioritize stability. But Beijing’s actions — especially in the West Philippine Sea — erode the moral and legal foundation of that respect. If China dismisses international law, why should others continue honoring its claims of sovereignty?

Steps Toward Regaining Trust

1. Respect International Law

If China wants recognition, it must first show reciprocity. Upholding UNCLOS and other frameworks would prove Beijing is willing to play by the same rules as everyone else.

2. Shift From Coercion to Diplomacy

China’s militarization of disputed waters and the aggressive behavior of its Coast Guard undermine trust. Dialogue, joint exploration, and win-win cooperation would foster peace instead of fear.

3. Match Words With Actions

Beijing often claims to defend multilateralism but undermines it when rulings don’t favor its interests. Genuine global leadership requires consistency.

4. Build Confidence With ASEAN

Respect for sovereignty must start with neighbors. Confidence-building measures, trade cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges could help restore goodwill.

5. Practice Reciprocity

Global trust cannot be one-sided. If Beijing insists on respect for its sovereignty, it must respect the sovereignty of smaller nations in return.

The Philippine Angle

The Philippines has demonstrated professionalism and restraint in the face of China’s provocations. Filipino soldiers have shown discipline that not only prevents escalation but also wins global admiration — while exposing the recklessness of China’s Coast Guard.

In short: If China truly wants the world not to “abandon” the One China Policy, it must first prove itself capable of respecting international standards. Respecting UNCLOS would be a decisive step toward fairness, stability, and peace.

At the same time, it may be in the best interest of the Philippines to consider abandoning the One China Policy as a strategic countermeasure — a move that could pressure Beijing into retracting its intrusive claims in Southeast Asian waters, particularly the West Philippine Sea.