FM spokeswoman: Philippine proclamation not factual

BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' proclamation that it has exhausted all political and diplomatic means for the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea is not factual, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday.

Hua said at a regular press briefing that the Chinese side has repeatedly proposed that the two sides resume and use existing consultation mechanisms or set up a new consultation mechanism to resolve the issue, but so far it has yet to receive any response from the Philippine side.

"The Philippine side has closed the door on talks and consultations and at the same time remained keen on attacking China in the international arena," Hua said.

"Such acts are not helpful in resolving the issue," she said.

Hua made the remarks when asked to comment on a recent statement by Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario.

According to media reports, Rosario said at an international seminar held in Brussels on Wednesday that the Philippines has exhausted all political and diplomatic means for the peaceful resolution of disputes on the South China Sea and is left with the sole legal means of seeking international arbitration.

"The Philippine side's proclamation is not factual," Hua said.

She said China hopes the Philippines will correct its actions, stop misleading the public and work to resolve the dispute through bilateral talks and consultations as soon as possible.

Hua said China firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

She said China has always worked on resolving territorial and maritime disputes through talks and consultations.

She said China has repeatedly clarified its stance on the Philippines presenting the South China Sea issue for international arbitration.

"The Chinese side has sufficient legal basis under international law for not accepting arbitration," Hua said.

The Philippines has presented the South China Sea dispute to the International Tribunal of The Law of The Sea for international arbitration.

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