China's opposition to an international tribunal ruling over the South China Sea has spilled over into the fruit industry, with some traders deciding to do away with Philippine fruit. 

Earlier this week in a case brought by the Philippines, the Hague ruled China did not have a historical right to its existing claims on the sea, where it has been constructing artificial islands on top of reefs.

Neighboring and Western countries have called on China to respect the Hague's decision, but the government has insisted it rejects the arbitration tribunal's ruling.

One response from the Chinese public has been to call for a boycott of Philippine fruit on social media, singling out dried mangoes in particular.

A search on e-commerce site Taobao shows some Philippine dried mangoes are being sold, but a large portion of individual traders using the site have withdrawn Philippine products, including dried mangoes and dried banana slices.

"I am just a small seller on Taobao, but firstly I am a Chinese. I want to do everything to support our country," one vendor told www.freshfruitportal.com.

"We will not sell the Philippine dried mangos any more - several tons of our inventories have been thrown into the trash can.

"I welcome patriotic people to keep watch. If you feel sorry for me, please buy some of my other products."

The vendor said he was now turning to Chinese production such as dried mangoes from the provinces of Fujian or Hainan.

"If there is a war between China and the Philippines I will donate all of our income from this product to our country," he said.

In 2012, there was a similar boycott on Philippine bananas relating to a dispute over the Scarborough Shoal, as well as a temporary ban from the government that officially related to phytosanitary concerns.

www.freshfruitportal.com