But Beijing says the issue is beyond the remit of UNCLOS and The Hague court because China has undisputable, historic rights and sovereignty over much of the South China Sea. Beijing claims some 90% of the South China Sea, and the Philippines is challenging it under a United Nations maritime convention. Liu outlined various civilian developments completed and underway in the South China Sea. France has also proposed to European countries that they take part in joint South China Sea patrols. As an international tribunal prepares to rule on Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea (SCS), officials in Washington, Tokyo and Southeast Asia are on tenterhooks.

Source: dna July 04, 2016 04:52 UTC