The United States said Tuesday that an international tribunal ruling against Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea was an "important contribution" towards resolving regional disputes.

The United States said Tuesday that an international tribunal ruling against Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea was an "important contribution" towards resolving regional disputes.

The State Department said the Permanent Court of Arbitration's decision in the suit lodged against China by the Philippines should be seen as "final and legally binding."