China claims support of 47 countries in sea row vs Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — China claimed it has the support of at least 47 countries in its position on the South China Sea dispute against the Philippines.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that Phoenix Chinese News have done a count on the countries supporting China.

"Their result shows that at least 47 countries have been publicly reported as supporting China's stance on the South China Sea issue," Hua said at a press briefing on Thursday.

Hua added that the given number is incomplete as some countries' statements were not yet reported.

"The Republic of Congo, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) and Cambodian ruling party People's Party have recently voiced their endorsement for China's position on the South China Sea issue in different ways. I think this speaks volumes," Hua said, as quoted in a transcript released Friday.

Hua said that the number is changing and claimed that the countries supporting China are increasing day by day.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry official, however, stressed that number is not important in the issue.

"Regarding the South China Sea issue, any unbiased country, institution and individual will stand for China's just position without a second thought as long as they hold an objective and impartial stance and see through the historical background of the South China Sea issue as well as the nature of the arbitration case," Hua said.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations is expected to issue a decision on Manila's case against Beijing's nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea soon.

The Philippines's move was lauded by the United States, the Group of Seven industrialized nations and other multilateral organizations as a peaceful measure to address part of the longstanding row.

China had insisted that it will not accept the ruling of the international tribunal and claimed that they have indisputable sovereignty over the contested waters.

China, which observers say is clearly worried, has meanwhile ramped up its public relations campaign ahead of release of the the tribunal's award.

Hua stressed that respecting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) does not mean accepting the arbitration procedure initiated by the Philippines.

"As a signatory to UNCLOS, China always respects, upholds and abides by its provisions including those on the arbitration procedures. But I want to stress that provisions of UNCLOS are inseparable as a whole, the key to respecting UNCLOS is to fully interpret and apply its provisions with good will and in its entirety," the Chinese official said.