Manila welcomes Hague ruling on South China Sea

Verdict on SCS new opportunity to address maritime disputes: US

The Philippines welcomed a ruling by a UN-backed tribunal that declares China has no "historic rights" in the South China Sea, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said, as he urged restraint.

"The Philippines welcomes the issuance today... on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines with regard to the South China Sea," Yasay told reporters minutes after the court in The Hague released its verdict.

The US said a UN-backed tribunal's verdict on South China Sea gives a new opportunity to address maritime disputes peacefully and asked both China and the Philippines to "avoid provocative actions" after the "final and legally binding" ruling.

"In the aftermath of this important decision, we urge all claimants to avoid provocative statements or actions. This decision can and should serve as a new opportunity to renew efforts to address maritime disputes peacefully," the State Department Spokesman, John Kirby, said.

He said the tribunal's decision in the Philippines-China arbitration "is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea."

Kirby, however, said the US is still studying the decision and have no comment on the merits of the case.

"As provided in the Convention, the Tribunal's decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines," Kirby said.

"The United States expresses its hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations," he added.

"We encourage claimants to clarify their maritime claims in accordance with international law -- as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention -and to work together to manage and resolve their disputes," Kirby said.

The Hague-based tribunal today struck down China's claims over the SCS saying Beijing has no "historic rights" in the disputed area.