BEIJING: China has won the support of Laos in rejecting the outcome of a court ruling against China's claims in the South China Sea, state news agency Xinhua said on Friday.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled on Tuesday that China had no historic claim to the waters and it had violated the Philippines' economic and sovereign rights.

China rejected the ruling, having declined to participate in the case saying the court had no jurisdiction.

The subject was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith ahead a regional summit in Mongolia capital Ulaanbaatar.

"Li Keqiang expounded on China's principle and stance on the Philippines' South China Sea arbitration case," Xinhua said.

"Thongloun said that Laos supports China's position, and is willing to work with China to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea region."

The report did not elaborate.

Laos' foreign ministry has not responded to Reuters' request for comment on the ruling. Laos state media made no mention of the comments.

China and its land-locked neighbour Laos have increasingly close political and economic links.