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BEIJING – China is urging the Philippines to ditch its attempt to solve South China Sea territorial disputes with an international tribunal and instead negotiate with Beijing directly, following the arbitration panel’s latest request for input from China.
The Philippines has asked the tribunal in The Hague to declare China’s claims to virtually all the South China Sea invalid, saying Beijing’s actions have trampled on other nations’ rights. China contends the tribunal doesn’t have jurisdiction, and has refused to participate.
The tribunal held a weeklong hearing ending Monday to address China’s contention. It said that Beijing now has until Aug. 17 to comment on the hearing, and that it expects to make a ruling on the issue this year.
China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reiterated China’s opposition to the arbitration process.