BEIJING -- The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China on Wednesday published a white paper titled "China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea".

Following is the full text of the white paper:

China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea

July 2016

The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China

Contents

Introduction

I. Nanhai Zhudao are China's Inherent Territory

i. China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao is established in the course of history

ii. China has always been resolute in upholding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea

iii. China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao is widely acknowledged in the international community

II. Origin of the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea

i. The Philippines' invasion and illegal occupation caused disputes with China over some islands and reefs of Nansha Qundao

ii. The Philippines' illegal claim has no historical or legal basis

iii. The development of the international law of the sea gave rise to the dispute between China and the Philippines over maritime delimitation

III. China and the Philippines Have Reached Consensus on Settling Their Relevant Disputes in the South China Sea

i. It is the consensus and commitment of China and the Philippines to settle through negotiation their relevant disputes in the South China Sea

ii. It is the consensus of China and the Philippines to properly manage relevant disputes in the South China Sea