In response to a question regarding the South China Sea, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated Tuesday that Pakistan agrees with China's position that disputes over the region should be resolved through consultation and negotiation by states directly concerned.

China on Tuesday firmly rejected the verdict of an international arbitration tribunal, claiming its ruling on the South China Sea is both "null and void."

The Pakistani foreign ministry's spokesperson said the country opposes any imposition of unilateral will on others and respects China's statement of optional exception in light of Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"Countries outside the region should fully respect efforts made by China and the ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and play a constructive role to this end," said the foreign ministry's website.

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