Beijing criticizes Manila's South China Sea claims

Key facts

• China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the Philippines' claims in the South China Sea.
• The statement was made ahead of the anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling.
• The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the Philippines' claims in the South China Sea. The statement was made ahead of the anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China's expansive claims in the disputed waters.