India has asked China to respect the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) regarding the territorial dispute between Beijing and the Philippines.

India's External Minister for State Vijay Kumar Singh on Monday asked China to show "utmost respect" for the ruling of the international arbitration court.

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Singh, speaking at ASEAN foreign ministers meeting, said India, like several other ASEAN member states, respects the verdict of the international court, Telegraph India reported.

"India, as a state party to the UNCLOS, urges all parties to show the utmost respect for the UNCLOS, which is the foundation of the international legal order of the seas and oceans," the former Indian army chief said. "India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means, without threat or use of force."

ASEAN foreign ministers also issued a joint statement after the meeting. The statement stated that all ASEAN member states remain "seriously concerned" over the recent developments in the region.

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China's claims over disputed territories in the South China Sea, saying that the country has no legal authority to claim the contest areas. China has strongly opposed the verdict while maintaining that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the contested waters.

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice is currently visiting China to pacify Beijing and convince China's leaders to de-escalate tension in South China Sea region. 

TagsSouth China Sea, South China Sea Dispute, ASEAN, India, china, Philippines