Verdict on SCS new opportunity to address maritime disputes:US

The US today said a UN-backed tribunal's verdict on South China Sea gives a new opportunity to address maritime disputes peacefully and asked both China and the Philippines to "avoid provocative actions" after the "final and legally binding" ruling.
"In the aftermath of this important decision, we urge all claimants to avoid provocative statements or actions. This decision can and should serve as a new opportunity to renew efforts to address maritime disputes peacefully," the State Department Spokesman, John Kirby, said.
He said the tribunal's decision in the Philippines-China arbitration "is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea."

Kirby, however, said the US is still studying the decision and have no comment on the merits of the case.
"As provided in the Convention, the Tribunal's decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines," Kirby said.
"The United States expresses its hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations," he added.

"We encourage claimants to clarify their maritime claims in accordance with international law -- as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention -- and to work together to manage and resolve their disputes," Kirby said.
The Hague-based tribunal today struck down China's claims over the SCS saying Beijing has no "historic rights" in the disputed area.

China however, rejected the ruling as "null and void" and said it "neither accepts nor recognises" the verdict of the tribunal established at the request of the Philippines.