China's stance on the South China Sea issue has also gained support from many Chinese nationals living overseas. They also believe that China has indisputable sovereign rights over the waters and reject the unilateral arbitration initiated by the Philippines.

"The Chinese government decides not to accept or to participate in the unilateral arbitration initiated by the Philippines. This stance has, I think, a legal foundation because it is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," said Liang Zhongping, legal consultant of US-China Association of Commerce.

"I think the arbitration is ridiculous. The issue which could have been settled between two countries has now been complicated by involving a third party. The arbitration would result in a less peaceful South China Sea. One country's sovereignty is not the business of a tribunal or other countries outside the region. We must respect history. So I firmly support China's stance on this issue. Many Chinese people living overseas are with me," said Sun Bo, president of US-China Association of Commerce.