Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui claimed that the ruling made by the ad hoc arbitral tribunal in The Hague on the claim of the Philippines in the South China Sea has no legal basis.

Hui told a leading Russian media that the ruling will have, under any circumstances, no impact on China's sovereignty, maritime rights, and interests in the South China Sea.

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He insisted that the Nansha Islands on the South China Sea have been under the territory of China since the ancient times, based on historical facts.

"China defends the settlement of the South China Sea dispute through dialogue and consultation with the directly involved countries on the basis of respect for historical facts and international law, with the aim to maintain peace and stability in the region," Li was quoted by a Russian media as saying.

The ambassador also clarified that China does not encroach on the interests nor envy the development of other nations. As such, it also does not give up its own legitimate claims and interests.

Saying the tribunal's ruling has no legal basis, Li said China did not participate in the proceedings and reiterated the government's stance that it neither accepts nor recognizes the ruling.

"In this way we exercise our rights in accordance with international law, and we also protect the dignity of international law," Li said.

China denounced the emphatic July 12 ruling in favor of the Philippines as an absurdity that had no legal basis and part of an anti-China plot cooked up by the United States.

Despite what it described as a ruling with no legal basis, the Chinese government has not resorted to taking stronger action nor has it expressed any sign of taking the issue by arm. China has instead called for a peaceful resolution on the issue while committing to defend its territory.

TagsSouth China Sea, china sea