Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

An international tribunal has ruled against China over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The tribunal said there was no legal basis for China to claim historical rights to resources within the areas falling within China's nine-dash line. The Chinese Government says China has sovereignty and historical rights in the region.

The Foreign Ministry says China does not accept the ruling, saying it is  null and void and has no binding force. It says territorial issues are not subject to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.