More countries stand with China against South China Sea arbitration

More countries have extended their support to China ahead of the South China Sea arbitration process at The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that will announce its decision today. ?More countries have voiced their support for China's position on the South China Sea issue despite pressure," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang on Monday. 

The remarks came after Cambodia was the latest to reiterate on Saturday that the country would not support the arbitration court's upcoming decision over the South China Sea issue, reports Xinhua news agency Lu said China appreciates Cambodia's stance on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2002. 

Before Cambodia, many African countries also voiced their support to China over the Philippine-initiated arbitration on the South China Sea dispute, calling for parties involved to resolve disputes through friendly negotiations and consultations.  Angola, Liberia, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, among others, have expressed their support for China's stance since early July, according to Lu. Other African countries that support China include Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Mauritania, Cameroon, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe. 

China maintains that the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the case and therefore will not accept or participate in the proceedings.