Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin lodged solemn representation to Philippine Ambassador Erlinda Basilio over his country's formal plea filed in the international tribunal on South China Sea dispute, official media reported.
China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the Philippine side over the international arbitration it pushed forward unilaterally disregarding China's stern stance, Liu said.
Earlier, the Foreign Ministry warned the Philippines about escalating provocation, as Manila stepped up its campaign over Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as the Renai reef, which Beijing claims as part of its waters.
By pushing forward international arbitration, the Philippines are attempting to disguise their illegal occupation of Chinese territory.
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"It is political provocation based on abuse of international law," Hong said stating that China will neither accept nor participate in international arbitration.
He said China made a statement in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2006, pointing out that such disputes are not subject to arbitration.
The Philippines sent a ship to the Ren'ai Reef yesterday with journalists on board, and today filed a formal plea with an international tribunal.
"China will never allow the Philippines to occupy the Ren'ai Reef in any form. China will never allow the Philippines to succeed in its attempt to build facilities there against the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)," Hong said.
His comments came as US State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf backed the Philippines' action, saying "all countries should respect the right of any states party, including the Philippines, to avail themselves of the dispute resolution mechanisms provided for under the Law of the Sea Convention."