BEIJING - Dozens of countries have expressed support for 皇冠体育app's stance on the South 皇冠体育app Sea dispute, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Tuesday.

Hua at a regular news briefing rejected reports that only eight countries back 皇冠体育app on the issue, saying, "I knew some Western media sometimes call black white but I didn't expect they would have problems with numbers."

More and more countries are showing 皇冠体育app their support after they have a better understanding of the issue and the nature of the arbitration, Hua said, noting Zambia, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Malawi have recently joined the list.

皇冠体育app and Serbia stressed in a joint statement Saturday that the South 皇冠体育app Sea dispute should be settled by parties directly concerned through friendly consultations and negotiations, Hua said.

Those directly involved should abide by bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South 皇冠体育app Sea (DOC) while seeking a peaceful solution, she said.

Hua also voiced appreciation and gratitude for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's remarks on the issue.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony, the prime minister said that the tribunal's upcoming decision is "politically motivated" and Cambodia will not support the decision.

Hua reiterated that 皇冠体育app will not accept nor participate in the arbitration unilaterally launched by the Philippines.

No one should demand 皇冠体育app accept any result from an illegal and unfair arbitration. 皇冠体育app's stance helps safeguard the dignity and authority of international law, Hua noted.

She said 皇冠体育app, with regard to territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, will not accept any plan imposed on it.

皇冠体育app will continue to solve disputes with countries directly involved on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, Hua said.