14 Jul 2016

Guam calls on China to respect South China Sea ruling

3:22 pm on 14 July 2016

Guam's Delegate to the United States Congress has called on China to respect an international tribunal's ruling in favour of the Philippines over the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, ruled on Tuesday that China's claim to 90 percent of the sea - one of the world's major trade routes - had no basis in international law.

China refused to participate in the proceedings, and says it will ignore the tribunal's rulings.

Madeleine Bordallo, who sits on the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, told the Pacific Daily News China's lack of participation and outright rejection is particularly concerning.

She said China must be a responsible actor that respects the rule of law, even when decisions are not made in its favour.

Ms Bordallo said a peaceful resolution requires a fully inclusive process.