Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

On Tuesday, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague will announce its final decision on the South China Sea arbitration case brought by the Philippines. Beijing has voiced objections to the arbitration tribunal's proceedings over the past three years. At a press conference today, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed again that the arbitration is illegal, and accused some countries of trying to blackmail China.

"More and more countries are supporting China's position in the South China Sea. They support resolving disputes through bilateral negotiations by parties directly involved.  Countries still trying to blackmail China with the so called arbitration ruling, can no longer call themselves spokespersons for international law. They can no longer represent international society, or accuse China of being self-isolating. Who is safeguarding the authority of international law, and who is distorting and trampling on it. The facts speak for themselves. After tomorrow's arbitration results China will continue to state its position," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang.