China dismisses Philippine court case over sea row claims

bbc.com Beijing has dismissed an invitation by an international tribunal to submit evidence to back its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea. China had until 15 December to respond to a memorandum submitted by the Philippines, the Hague-based body said. This is the first international case filed against China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, which is also contested by other neighbouring states. But so far Beijing has refused to take part in the proceedings. "China's stance of not accepting and not participating in the relevant Philippines' arbitration case has not changed," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a media briefing in Beijing late on Wednesday. to read more: bbc.com