China reiterates arbitration is not legally binding

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang has repeated the country's stance that the award by an arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea issue is not legally binding. His remark came after reports from Japan, saying China should abide by the international law and accept the arbitration result.

"Over 80 countries, international, and regional groups support China's stance. Just two to three countries said the award is legally binding and in accordance with the international law. I hope some countries should follow the right stance held by the majority of the international community, rather than the majority yielding to the wrong position held by some countries," Lu said.

Lu Kang said the award was null and void at the beginning, making reports from Japan contradictory. He mentioned that most of ASEAN countries agreed the dispute should be settled through direct talk between countries involved.