Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Some 30 international law experts from Asia, Africa, the United States and Europe met in The Hague in June. They exchanged views on the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines on the South China Sea disputes. They believe the proceedings of the case are questionable, pointing out that the disputes should be resolved through direct negotiation. They also say outside intervention can only aggravate the tensions.

Abdul Gadire Koroma, former judge at the International Court of Justice, has presided over many cases on sovereignty and maritime delimitation disputes. He stressed that the disputes can be complicated, and negotiation is the best way to solve them.

"In my view, the best method for this kind of dispute is to negotiate. They should feel comfortable with the settlement," said Abdul Gadire Koroma.

Abraham Sofaer was a former legal adviser to the US State Department. He now serves as a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy and National Security Affairs at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He also voiced his support for China's stance. He believes the litigation has caused far more harm than good. He says the US should urge the Philippines to return to negotiation with China to settle the maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

"It is especially unfortunate, because the US is not even a member. I think diplomacy should be used to much greater extend than law," said Abraham Sofaer.

The experts also called on the international community to adopt a correct, comprehensive and integral interpretation of the UN convention. They also urged relevant parties to resolve disputes through reasonable and effective dialogues.