Off the wire
• 3rd LD: China refuses South China Sea arbitration award  • China, Kazakhstan agree on development strategies  • Over 20,000 people sign open letter against South China Sea arbitration award  • Taiwan authorities refuse South China Sea arbitration award  • 1st Ld: President Xi says China rejects any proposition, action based on S. China Sea arbitration award  • China produces less summer crops than last year's record  • China holds cross-theater army drill  • Rare book sold for 10.5 mln USD in danger of being exported from Britain  • Across China: Drivers abandon their trucks to close breached dike  • China Focus: China-Mongolia economic cooperation set to thrive  
You are here: 　 Home

Pakistan reiterates support to China over South China Sea issue

Xinhua, July 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Pakistan said on Tuesday that it believes that disputes over the South China Sea should be peacefully resolved through consultations and negotiations by states directly concerned.

A spokesman of the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the maritime disputes should be addressed in accordance with bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

In this context, he added that Pakistan opposes any imposition of unilateral will on others, and respects China's statement of optional exception in light of Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The spokesman made the remarks in response to a verdict against China by an arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines.

China said on Tuesday it neither accepts nor recognizes the verdict, dismissing it as "null and void."

The spokesman said, "Pakistan believes that maintenance of peace and security is the collective responsibility of all parties to the South China Sea."

"Countries outside the region should fully respect efforts made by China and the ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, and play a constructive role to this end." Endit