Chinese defense minister rejects South China Sea arbitration award

BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said Wednesday China will not accept any proposition or action based on the decision made Tuesday by the South China Sea arbitral tribunal.

Chang made the remarks when meeting with visiting European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini.

China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea will not be affected by the award under any circumstances, he said.

Chang said he hopes the European Union will have an objective and fair position on the South China Sea issue.

Mogherini said China is an important strategic partner of the European Union and she hopes for stronger China-EU defense security relations, expecting the South China Sea issue to be resolved peacefully.