China on Wednesday said its position on the issue of South China Sea and the South China Sea arbitration is clear and consistent, reaffirming its territorial sovereignty and maritime and interests in the South China Sea.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a question regarding last year's South China Sea arbitration.

He said China has always been committed to solving disputes through negotiations with directly involved countries, including the Philippines and safeguarding peace and stability in South China Sea with ASEAN countries.

Relations between China and the Philippines have returned to the right path and both sides have affirmed peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation.

The South China Sea arbitration, unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, was a political farce made under the pretext of law, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last year, after the Permanent Court of Arbitration handling the case issued its final award.