(VOVworld) - The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Netherlands said Thursday that it has jurisdiction over a case filed by the Philippines contesting China’s claims to disputed areas in the East Sea.

China's coast ship hinders the Philippines' vessel in the East Sea (Photo: Reuters)

According to a summary released by the PCA, after reviewing the claims submitted by the Philippines, the tribunal has rejected the argument by China that the dispute is beyond the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

The PCA said the case involves a dispute between the two countries concerning enforcement of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that this is within the PCA’s scope.

On Tuesday, China asked the Philippines to withdraw its lawsuit and return to bilateral negotiations.