Timeline (See infographics)

Jan 22, 2013

The Philippines unilaterally initiates arbitration

Feb 19, 2013

China rejects the claim and reiterates that it will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration

Dec 7, 2014

China releases a position paper stating that the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague does not have jurisdiction over the case

Oct 29, 2015

The tribunal issues ruling on jurisdiction and admissibility

June 8, 2016

Foreign Ministry issues a statement on settling disputes between Beijing and Manila through bilateral negotiations

June 29, 2016

The Permanent Court of Arbitration announces that the Arbitral Tribunal will issue ruling on July 12