The remarks were made in response to reports that the UN tribunal is to render its final decision in the coming weeks. The verdict is expected to turn out against China since Beijing shrugged off the case throwing into question its legality, saying that its falls outside the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea jurisdiction.

Hong Lei also said that China will safeguard its territorial sovereignty while complying with the international law and maintaining the integrity and authority of the UNCLOS.

“China is rock-firm in safeguarding the international rule of law and the integrity and sanctity of UNCLOS,” the spokesperson told journalists.

https://www.rt.com/news/342224-south-china-sea-un/