由于中国在南海问题上的立场受到越来越多的国际社会的支持，中国外交部再次指责菲律宾单方面申请仲裁非法无效。外交部甚至呼吁双边会晤以和平解决南海争端。
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has once again denounced the Philippines' unilateral filing for arbitration as illegal, as the country's stance on the South China Sea gains growing support from the international community. The Foreign Ministry also called for bilateral talks to resolve the issue peacefully.
"When you act righteously, you win over support. China has always acted according to international law. And China has always stood up to the promises it made to the ASEAN countries. China has always acted responsibly. The South China Sea issue can only be resolved through bilateral talks and negotiations on the basis of international law. We hope the Philippines can meet us halfway and resolve the issue peacefully," said Hong Lei, spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry.
