It seems that China has a different strategy in its approach regarding the Spratlys issue. It is snubbing the UN Tribunal hearing where the Philippines has filed a case. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands which is the venue is being contested by China as not the proper venue. If China succeeds then that arbitration will have no bearing to the case at all.
Here is the link - China lobbies hard ahead of PH’s sea arbitration case | mb.com.ph | Philippine News
Here is the link - China lobbies hard ahead of PH’s sea arbitration case | mb.com.ph | Philippine News