Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has explained China’s stance on the South China Sea issue. He reaffirmed that China neither accepts nor recognizes the decision of the arbitration tribunal.

“The statement issued by the Chinese government reaffirmed once again China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” Wang said.

“They include, inter alia: China has sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands; China has internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf based on its sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands; and China has historical rights in the South China Sea.

“I must stress that China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are not new claims. These, including the dotted line, have been formed in the long course of history, and have been upheld by the successive Chinese governments.

“Any attempt by any force to undermine or deny in any way China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests will be futile and will fail. On issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, China will not accept any means of third-party dispute settlement without China’s prior consent, or any imposed solution.

“This temporary tribunal, unjust and highly controversial, does not stand for international law, the rule of law, or equity and justice in the world.”