China criticizes Philippines over South China Sea arbitration

China "will not accept any solution imposed on it or any unilateral resort to a third-party dispute settlement" with regard to the issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei has said on Wednesday.

Hong made the remarks at a regular press conference in Beijing after a reporter noted that the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal established at the request of the Philippines has started its hearing on issues related to merits.

"The Philippines' attempt to negate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea through arbitral proceeding will lead to nothing," he said.

"China has expounded on many occasions its position that the Arbitral Tribunal has no jurisdiction over the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines and that China will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration. This position is clear and consistent," Hong said.

The Philippines' unilateral initiation and obstinate pushing forward of the South China Sea arbitration is a political provocation under the cloak of law, Hong said.

"It is in essence not an effort to settle disputes but an attempt to negate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea," he added.

The Philippines and the Arbitral Tribunal have abused relevant procedures and forced ahead with the arbitration, Hong said.