Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated its position on the South China Sea issue, saying that the tribunal has no legal right to settle the dispute, and that Beijing will not participate in any proceedings, or recognize the verdict.

"First, the arbitration violates the relevant terms in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These complaints do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Law of the Sea. Second, the Philippines has already agreed to resolve the disputes through bilateral agreements, but it has broken its promises. As the country has broken both laws and promises, more and more countries, besides China, believe the arbitration is illegal," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang also said more countries have decided to stand with China on the South China Sea dispute since July. This includes Cambodia, Angola, Liberia, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Senegal. Lu especially expressed appreciation for the Cambodian government who clearly announced its support for China at least three times. Lu said the countries who are trying to discredit China through the arbitration cannot claim to represent the international community.