The world's leading nations and their allies at the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit criticized China for refusing to acknowledge and comply with the ruling by the U.S. Permanent Court of Arbitration that declared China's "nine-dash line" illegal, and with it China's claim to own over 90 percent of the South China Sea.
Leaders from 51 countries in Europe and Asia are currently gathered at Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, for the two-day conference that aims to strengthen the relationship between Asia and Europe through a series of informal dialogues.
As expected the South China Sea row between the Philippines and China was a key issue at the meeting despite China's efforts not to have it discussed at all. Western leaders, however, criticized China by emphasizing the importance of respecting global legal frameworks and the rules-based international order that helps keep peace in the world.
"Dialogue and a strong commitment to the rules-based international order are necessary," said European Council President Donald Tusk at the opening ceremony.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe encouraged Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to respect the rule of international law during a sideline meeting at the summit. To which Li replied that Japan should "stop hyping up and interfering" in the South China Sea.
Perfecto Yasay, the Philippines' Foreign Minister told the summit it "strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision" but called for "all parties to exercise restraint and sobriety."
Yasay said the Philippines "attaches great importance to measures that will restore trust and confidence among parties in the region."
"The Philippines shall continue to engage concerned parties to finding ways to reduce regional tensions and to build greater trust and confidence. In this regard, the Philippines will continue fostering mutually beneficial relations with all nations," he said.
The United States had earlier called for China to respect the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration while the European Union urged China and the Philippines to peacefully settle their dispute over the South China Sea.