Niger backs China on South China Sea: FM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that Niger backs China's stance on the South China Sea.

In a press communique on the South China Sea issue released on Thursday, Niger's government called on international judicial and arbitration institutions to respect dispute resolution methods chosen by other countries, spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing.

Some 40 countries have expressed support for China's stance. An international tribunal in The Hague is due to announce its decision in May or June on an arbitration case filed by the Philippines against China over maritime disputes.

China has refused to accept or participate in the arbitration. China declared in 2006 that it would exclude compulsory arbitration on maritime delimitation disputes, a right guaranteed under Article 298 of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Niger's government stressed that directly concerned states should resolve disputes through negotiation and consultation in accordance with international law, Hua said.

Niger's government also called on relevant states to act in line with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) to build trust, enhance cooperation, and maintain regional peace and stability, Hua said.

"What Niger's government has expressed fits the basic facts of the South China Sea issue and is in line with bilateral and regional agreements made between China and relevant countries saying disputes should be resolved through negotiation and consultation," Hua said, adding that it represents "objectiveness and justice about relevant issues voiced by the international community." Endi