The Philippines has brought a case at an international tribunal in The Hague contesting China’s claims, a case rejected by China which wants to solve the issue bilaterally. China has accused the Philippines of ignoring requests to have regular talks over maritime issues in the region , adding that the Philippines is always open to talks on the South China Sea ; the Philippines Foreign Ministry has declined to comment . The Philippines brought a case to an international tribunal in The Hague contesting China 's claims over most of the South China Sea , through which $ 1 in ship - borne trade passes every year ; the case has been rejected by China which wants to solve the issue bilaterally .
China has accused the Philippines of ignoring requests to have regular talks over maritime issues in the region , adding that the Philippines is always open to talks on the South China Sea ; the Philippines Foreign Ministry has declined to comment . The Philippines brought a case to an international tribunal in The Hague contesting China 's claims over most of the South China Sea , through which $ 1 in ship - borne trade passes every year ; the case has been rejected by China which wants to solve the issue bilaterally .