China urges the Philippines to resume dialogue

China has hit back at the Philippines over the South China Sea dispute, and reiterated its objection to international arbitration on the matter.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China regrets comments from the Philippines, that it has become impossible to continue discussions with China. Hua called the Philippines' claim completely untrue. She said the Philippines' illegal occupation of some islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands, is the direct cause of the dispute between the two countries.

Hua stressed China will stay committed to safeguarding peace and stability of the South China Sea. China has never closed the door to negotiation and consultation with the Philippines in the hope of improving and developing bilateral relations. Hua said China urges the Philippines to correct its erroneous actions, and make a positive response to China's suggestions on establishing a Sino-Philippine regular consultation mechanism on maritime issues.