THE HAGUE, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A group of experts on international law voiced their doubts and concerns on Sunday over the South China Sea arbitration, warning the proceedings of the case are questionable.
Some 30 experts from Asia, Africa, the United States and Europe exchanged views at a seminar co-organized by Leiden University's Grotius Center for International Legal Studies and Wuhan University's Institute for Boundary and Ocean Studies.
Around the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, a wide range of issues were brought up at the seminar about the appointment of arbitrators, the arbitral proceedings and the controversial jurisdiction.
Abraham Sofaer, former legal adviser of the U.S. State Department, voiced his support for China's stance.
He said that China has made a clear declaration on exceptions that it does not accept any mandatory procedures, including arbitrations, with respect to disputes over sovereignty and delimitation of sea area, therefore the unilateral arbitration proposed by the Philippines is a particularly unwise litigation.
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