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COTONOU, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Benin has called on China and the Philippines to give priority to peaceful means, in particular dialogue and negotiations, in solving their disputes over the South China Sea.
The West African country has been following the development of the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines with great interest and serious concerns, according to a press release by the government of Benin on Monday.
"Benin reiterates its attachment to peace safeguarding in all parts of the world," said the release.
In Beijing, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that more countries have voiced their support for China's position on the South China Sea issue "despite pressure."
Individual countries which are trying to discredit China through the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines cannot claim to represent the international community, he said.
China has reiterated its adherence to dialogue and consultation in settling the South China Sea issue.
Currently, at least 60 countries have publicly approved of China's stance, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
An arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction will issue its final award Tuesday on the South China Sea arbitration case.
