Chinese FM reiterates China's stance on South China Sea arbitration

ULAN BATOR, July 14 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday reiterated China's solemn position of non-acceptance of and non-participation in the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines.

Wang made the remarks while meeting with Federica Mogherini, the European Union (EU)'s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

Wang said the South China Sea arbitration is a politically manipulated case and China's position is in fact defending the solemnity of international rule of law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The disputes between China and the Philippines, he added, should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

Prior to the meeting, Mogherini also stayed in Beijing and held talks with Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on the sidelines of the 18th China-EU summit from July 12 to 13.

Wang said China and the EU reached broad consensus on strengthening cooperation under the new circumstances.

China has sent a positive signal that it supports the European integration and is willing to see a united, stable and prosperous EU, he added.

Wang noted that China is ready to work with the EU to further promote the development of bilateral relations, have closer communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and jointly promote global trade liberalization and sustainable development of the world economy.

For her part, Mogherini said the China-EU summit has achieved positive results.

The two sides have conducted sound coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs, she said, adding that the EU attaches great importance to China's role in settling the Iranian nuclear issue and issues concerning Afghanistan and the Middle East.

The EU is willing to continue constructive cooperation with China, Mogherini noted.