US president Barack Obama on Thursday warned an international tribunal’s ruling that China’s sweeping claims to the South China Sea had no legal basis was “binding”, after Beijing vowed to ignore the verdict. “The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped clarify maritime rights in the region,” Obama told a summit of Asian leaders in Laos. Read | China accused at Asia summit of secret island building in South China SeaThe comments are sure to draw ire from Beijing, which has taken an increasingly belligerent stance on claims in the strategically important waterway. Obama has urged China to adhere to the rule of law and not take unilateral measures that could raise tensions. Read more | Obama, Xi discuss S China Sea dispute, cybersecurity, human rights: White House

Source: Hindustan Times September 08, 2016 05:37 UTC