Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippine governmentreiterated its firm adherence to the July ruling of the Permanent Court ofArbitration on the country lawsuit against China’s claims in the East Sea.

Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay made thestatement on December 19, adding that the Philippines will tackle the East Seaissue based on the ruling.

The diplomat also explained that revitalisingties with China is one of President Rodrigo Duterte's priorities and that thegovernment has been working to build "confidence and trust" withChina.

Yasay said the move aims at a trust levelthat will allow the Philippines to discuss more sensitive issues in bilateralties with China in the future.

According to the PCA ruling on July 12,China’s claims to historic rights over sea areas falling within the nine-dashline are contrary to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS).

China does not have historic rights overwaters in the East Sea and any legal basis to announce statements on historicrights over natural resources within the nine-dash line.

The ruling said that no islands in theTruong Sa (Spratly) archipelago entitle China a right to an exclusive economiczone (EEZ) and that Beijing has caused long-term and irreparable harm to thecoral ecosystem in Truong Sa archipelago.

It also stressed that China has interferedwith the traditional fishing rights of the Philippines in Scaborough Shoal,highlighting that China’s actions have worsen disputes between the country andthe Philippines when efforts have been made to resolve the disputes.

China issued a statement saying it wouldneither participate in nor accept the ruling./.