Chinese state media lashed out at Australia on Sunday after Canberra urged Beijing to respect the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) over its South China Sea dispute with the Philippines.

The state-run Global Times newspaper, in a strongly worded editorial, hit out at Canberra saying that Australia's power means nothing compared to the security of China and if the country steps into the South China Sea waters, it will be an "ideal target for China to warn and strike."

Like Us on Facebook

The unofficial mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party of China also called Australia a "paper cat" and a country with an "inglorious' history."

"Australia is not even a 'paper tiger,' it is only a 'paper cat' at best," the editorial said.

"Australia was at first an offshore prison of the U.K. and then became its colony, a source of raw materials, overseas market and land of investment," the paper said. "This country was established through uncivilized means, in a process filled with the tears of the aboriginals."

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, in its long pending verdict on July 12, rejected China's claims over disputed South China Sea saying that the country has no legal authority to claim the contested territory. Beijing has strongly opposed the verdict while maintaining that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the contested waters.

Australia, a close U.S. ally, has urged China to respect the verdict. Aussie foreign minister Julie Bishop also slammed China for its "coercive actions" in the South China Sea. The United States and Japan have also called on China to abide by the court's ruling over its territorial dispute with the Philippines.

Tagschina, Australia, South China Sea, Tribunal, Global Times