CCTV9英语新闻：Fiji shows support to China on South China Sea arbitration

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Fijian counterpart Inoke Kubuabola have met in Beijing. They exchanged views on issues relating to the South China Sea arbitration brought forward by the Philippines.

 

A joint press release, issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said Fiji supported China's proposition in finding a resolution. 

 

"Both sides believed that countries with direct relations to this issue should peacefully resolve the territorial and martime problem through negotiations based on bilateral agreements and the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang.

 

The Philippines has been submitting evidence to a UN tribunal against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea since 2014. Both China and the Philippines have overlapping claims there, and this has led to some tension between them. China refuses to accept the arbitration and warns that the case may damage their bilateral ties. A verdict reportedly will be announced in the coming weeks by the Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

 

"China's refusal to accept and take part in this South China Sea arbitration raised by the Philippines is a means to maintain the international rule of law. The Philippines' attempt to deny China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights will not succeed," he said.