BEIJING, March 30 -- China on Sunday urged the Philippines to stick to their consensus and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and return to the correct path of bilateral talks in resolving disputes.

China will not accept international arbitration filed by the Philippines on the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement, and gave his explanation.

He said that China holds a clear and consistent stance that it has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters.

China has always adhered to direct bilateral negotiations with relevant country to solve dispute of sovereignty over islands and maritime demarcation, Hong said.

He added that the position is in line with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) signed by China and the ASEAN nations as well as the consensus reached by China and the Philippines in a series of documents.

He urged the Philippines to fully and effectively implement the consensus that has been repeatedly confirmed by both sides and the DOC and come back to the right track of bilateral negotiation.

The direct cause of the disputes between China and the Philippines on South China Sea is the Philippines illegally occupied some Chinese islets, Hong said, noting that the nature of the issue is bilateral disputes on sovereignty over islands and maritime demarcation.

Hong stressed that China has made a statement in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2006, pointing out that relevant disputes does not apply to arbitration procedure.

China's stance is in full compliance with international law, Hong said, noting that its legitimate rights should be respected.

The Philippines on Sunday filed a formal plea to an international tribunal on South China Sea dispute.