Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

People's Daily has published an article today, slamming the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. The article says China's sovereignty over the South China Sea islands is part of the post-war international order.

It claims the arbitration case is actually a trap for China incited by the United States and led by the Philippines.It pointed out that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea are protected by international laws including the United Nations Charter.

The article noted China is not only fighting to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, but also the international maritime order and world peace and stability.

It also stressed that the illegal arbitration could not deny China's legal rights in the South China Sea. It could also not affect Chinese people's will and determination to safeguard peace and stability in the region.