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Dongfang Zaobao, July 13

"The South Sea Islands have been part of China's territory since ancient times," Wednesday's front page of the Chinese daily Dongfang Zaobaoreads. "China does not accept the ruling that does not recognize the South China Sea."

The defiant headline comes in response to Tuesday's decision by a UN tribunal to categorically disregard Chinese claims over the South China Sea. The ruling prompted an angry reaction from Beijing, upping tensions in the region.

The country's Communist Party-controlled press warns of a military escalation in response to what they denounce as a U.S. ploy to obstruct China's rise.

The case was brought forth by the Philippines, which accuses China of illegally encroaching on its territorial waters. The UN tribunal made it clear Tuesday that it agrees, ruling that China's historically-based claims to the disputed waters lack a legal basis and are contrary to an international maritime convention.

President Xi Jinping declared that China would not accept the ruling, but says he wants to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Chinese leader called for direct talks with the parties involved.