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HOUSTON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese community in the fourth largest city of the United States on Thursday expressed full support to the Chinese government's stance on the award issued by a law-abusing arbitral tribunal based in The Hague.
The Chinese Civic Center, the largest Chinese community in Houston, said the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is naturally null and void as China's sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and reefs is established in the course of history.
The PCA issued the award on Tuesday sweepingly sided with the Philippines, denying China's long-standing historic rights in the South China Sea.
Fan Yuxin, president of the Chinese Civic Center, told Xinhua on Thursday that like other Chinese communities across the United States, his community fully and firmly supports the Chinese government's position.
"China declares that the award is null and void and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it," the ministry said in a statement shortly after the award was announced.
The ministry also reiterated that "the Chinese government will continue to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations ... and continue to work with states directly concerned to resolve the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiations and consultations on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law."
"South China Sea islands are China's inherent territory since time immemorial," he said on behalf of the community.
"We appeal to the Philippine government to focus on the development of Sino-Philippine relations and regional peace and stability, and to peacefully settle disputes through negotiations and consultations with the Chinese government," he said.
Fan said that maintaining peace and stability in the region and promoting world peace and sustainable human development are in line with the common interests of the entire international community.
"We strongly support the defense of the territorial integrity of the motherland, firmly safeguard world peace including the South China Sea," he said.
