PARIS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to France Zhai Jun stressed the "South China Sea issue could not be solved without direct dialogue and joint efforts of different countries," and preserving peace and stability in the region was "in the interest of all."
In a signed article entitled "Some clarification on the issue of the South China Sea" published by the business daily Les Echos on Monday, the Chinese diplomat said an alternative would be within reach if all countries concerned show a responsible attitude and work together to bridge their differences via friendly consultations and negotiations.
"We regret the decision of the Philippines to unilaterally resort to international arbitration to resolve the dispute with China over the South China Sea," he wrote.
The Philippines claims before the arbitration tribunal in The Hague concern sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the delimitation of the maritime borders between the two countries.
But in 2006, the Chinese government already rejected any arbitration for disputes concerning the delimitation of maritime areas, historic bays, military activities, and acts of law enforcement, he added.
"China will not accept and will not recognize the ruling (of) the tribunal, and expresses its deep concern about the abusive and arbitrary extension of the court's powers," the Chinese ambassador to France said.
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