US says South China Sea ruling presents choice for Asia

A senior US official says an international tribunal ruling next week on a challenge to China's expansive claims in the South China Sea could determine whether the region is ruled by law or "raw calculations of power."

Abraham Denmark, a senior defence official for East Asia, was testifying Thursday at a congressional hearing.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration will rule next Tuesday in a case brought by the Philippines, a US ally. China is boycotting the case in the Hague-based court and says it will not accept the verdict.

Denmark urged both parties to comply with the ruling and asked South China Sea claimants "to avoid provocative actions."

State Department official Colin Willett says the U.S. will not hesitate to defend its security interests and Honor commitments to Asia-Pacific allies.