Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Chinese nationals in the Netherlands and Belgium have gathered outside the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to protest against the decision by the tribunal. They also lent their support to the Chinese government over the dispute.

"We are very angry about the so-called arbitration award. I think the self-deceiving result will make the situation more complicated and intensify contradictions on foreign affairs, diplomacy, military, public opinion, judiciary, and even civil affairs," said  Lu Yajuan, associate editor in chief of the Rotterdam-Based Asia News. 

"Overseas Chinese will, making use of our own advantages and expertise, clarify China’s stance to the people in the countries where we live via our social channels, telling them what really happened."

"The law stipulates that the western boundary of Philippine territory was 118 degrees east longitude. China’s Huangyan and Xishan islands are located to the west of the 118 degree east longitude line, so the islands have nothing to do with the Philippines," said Huang Yue, Secretary-General of  China Council for Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in the Netherlands.

"It is a farce that the Philippines has claimed rights at this time. People who have the historical knowledge must know that much outside interference is behind the issue, which is out of various self-interests."

"The arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines regarding the South China Sea issue, I believe, is a political farce. As a Chinese national in the foreign country, I strongly support the position of the Chinese government on safeguarding national sovereignty, and I also support any measure China takes for safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Zhu Haian, president of China Council for Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Belgium.