Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

At a regular monthly briefing, China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun has repeated the country's insistence that the decision issued by an arbitration court in the Hague over the South China Sea issue does not affect China's sovereignty and rights over the area.

"The award is null and void, and not binding. We neither accept nor recognize the ruling. It will not affect China's sovereignty and legal rights over the area. The armed forces will resolutely safeguard our sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, maintaining regional peace and stability. We will defend against any threats and challenges," Yang said.