Beijing, July 13 -- After Japan and 13 other countries reaffirmed a 2016 arbitration ruling that China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under international law, Beijing has reiterated that its governance of the disputed waters has never ceased.

Beijing also summoned the Japanese envoy in China, accusing Tokyo of undermining regional peace and stability and challenging the post-war international order.

Chinese state media Xinhua reported, "An official from the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chief minister of the Japanese Embassy in China on Sunday to lodge solemn representations and voice strong dissatisfaction and protest."

This comes after Japan...