Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

Authorities in Taiwan have said they 'absolutely won't accept' the arbitral tribunal verdict. The leader's office said the verdict 'is not legally binding' and that the award has already severely damaged China's sovereign rights over islands in the South China Sea, in particular Taiping Island. The office added that disputes should be resolved through negotiation. Chang Ling-Chen from Taiwan University dismissed the arbitration process as a farce.

"The verdict from the arbitration tribunal is not legal, it is a political judgement. It is a total farce from the establishment of the tribunal to the verdict. The whole process is illegal. The South China Sea is the heritage from our ancestors and part of our sovereignty. If you don't fight for your core interests, no one will believe in you when it comes to international affairs," Chang said.

The Taiwan Affairs Office says upholding sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea is a common obligation of the Chinese people in Taiwan and there is a responsibility to safeguard their common legacy.