Beijing is seeking Moscow's support in opposing an international court case filed by the Philippines regarding its claim in the disputed South China Sea.

In talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two countries should come together to oppose "internationalizing" the South China Sea dispute.

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"Both China and Russia should stay on guard against abuses of mandatory arbitration," Wang said on Tuesday.

Permanent Court of Arbitration

The Philippines filed a territorial claim case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague last year.

Wang, Lavrov, and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj issued a communique after the talks stating that disputes among the claimant countries in the South China Sea should be resolved through negotiations and dialogues between the parties concerned.

Lavrov voiced support for China last week saying any attempts to "internationalize" the South China Sea dispute must be stopped immediately.

Neither Russia nor India has a stake in the international waterway. Observers said China's recent statements were made in anticipation of the court ruling which is expected to be handed down in May or June.

European Union

Despite China's earlier statement that it does not recognize the Hague court's jurisdiction over the matter and will not honor any judgment it will hand down, European Union (EU) countries this month urged Beijing to respect the ruling of the international tribunal.

British Minister of State Hugo Swire said the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration is "valid and binding" and China should respect the outcome of the case.

Aside from the EU, the foreign ministers of G7 nations have also expressed concern over the disputes in the South China Sea and have called on Beijing to accept the court's decision.

Diplomatic pressure

Political analysts said Wang's comments are part of Beijing's campaign to gain support as it is coming under immense diplomatic pressure from nations that side with the Philippines in the court case.

"China is almost isolated in the saga," Li Xing, an international relations professor at Beijing Normal University, said. "As strategic partners, China and Russia are taking care of each other's core interests and ­coordinating."

The meeting between Wang and Lavrov in Moscow this week is in preparation for the expected visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China this year.  

TagsBeijing, Moscow, Permanent Court of Arbitration, South China Sea, claimant-countries, European Union, G-7 members