The United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration said Wednesday it will rule on the arbitration case initiated by the Philippines against China on July 12, and the Philippines said it will respect the ruling. The Philippines initiated the case challenging China’s claims to much of the South China Sea. The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said that despite China’s repeated declaration that it will not recognize the tribunal’s ruling, China remains a party to the arbitration and is bound under international law to accept the PCA’s decision.

Barcelo, V., & Bencito, J. P. (2016, July 1). South China Sea ruling out on July 12. Manila Standard, p. A3.