The Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on October 29^th stated that it has jurisdiction over a case filed by the Philippines contesting China’s claims to disputed areas in the East Sea.

China's coast ship hinders the Philippines' vessel in the East Sea (Source: Reuters)

According to a summary released by PCA on the same day, after reviewing the claims submitted by the Philippines, the tribunal has rejected the argument by China that the dispute is beyond the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

PCA said the case reflects the argument between the two countries concerning the enforcement of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that this was within the PCA’s scope.

Previously, on October 27^th, China asked the Philippines to withdraw its lawsuit and come back to bilateral negotiations./.

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