The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has warned Filipinos living in China against discussing the arbitration case over South China Sea dispute in public, including on social media ahead of an upcoming UN arbitration ruling.

According to an e-mail provided by a Filipino to the Global Times, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing advised Filipinos living in China to take precautions under the current situation and to avoid discussing political matters in public, especially on social media networks.

The embassy also said in the email that Filipinos should carry their passports or residence permits with them at all times and report any untoward incidents to the embassy’s hotline or Chinese police. 

The arbitration court in The Hague announced that it will deliver a final decision on July 12 over the South China Sea disputes filed by the Philippines against China.