Beijing urges European states to stop endorsing South China Sea arbitration award

China has called on European countries to stop endorsing the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, warning that doing so could undermine relations and cooperation with Beijing.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on July 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposed recent statements by several European countries, the United States, the Philippines and the European Union marking the 10th anniversary of the arbitration award, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media.

According to Lin, several European states recently joined the United States and the Philippines in issuing a joint statement on the ruling, while the European Union released a separate statement.

"China urges European states to act prudently and stop endorsing the illegal 'South China Sea Arbitration Award' to avoid disrupting relations and cooperation with China," Lin said.

He accused the countries involved of misrepresenting the issue and criticised their statements.

"These statements distort facts and maliciously smear China. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes them," Lin said.

The arbitration ruling, issued in 2016 by a tribunal in The Hague, rejected many of China's claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has consistently rejected the decision and maintains that the award is invalid.

By Sabina Mammadli