China rejects EU's comments on South China Sea 'arbitration'

China urged the European side to stop endorsing the illegal "South China Sea Arbitration Award" on Tuesday, as the head of the Department of European Affairs of the Foreign Ministry has summoned and lodged strong protests, respectively, with the heads of the diplomatic missions of the countries concerned and the EU delegation to China.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks following a joint statement issued on Sunday on the "award" by countries including some European nations, the United States, and the Philippines. The European Union also released a separate statement.

Europe is not a party in the South China Sea and is in no position to make irresponsible remarks on China's legitimate territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, Lin said.

China expressed dissatisfaction and firm opposition over the statements, Lin said.

The "arbitration" is nothing but a stunt pulled by the US and a handful of Western countries for the political purpose of containing China, he said.

China neither accepts nor recognizes the "award", he said, adding that Beijing also opposes and will never accept any claim or action arising from it.

Certain European countries blatantly applied double standards on issues relating to international law, which will only further erode their own credibility on the international stage and is not conducive to enhancing mutual trust between China and the Europe, Lin said.

He urged the European side to act prudently to avoid harming relations and cooperation with China.