Ruling 'null and void', with no binding force

Nation remains committed to resolving maritime disputes through negotiations, President Xi says

China is committed to resolving disputes through direct negotiations, but its national sovereignty and maritime interests will not be influenced under any circumstances by the South China Sea ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal of The Hague, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

"The South China Sea Islands have been China's territory since ancient times," Xi said while meeting in Beijing with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. "We refuse to accept any claims or activities based on the arbitral ruling," he added.