BEIJING - China on Thursday reiterated that the South China Sea disputes should be resolved through direct negotiations between related parties in accordance with historical facts and recognized international laws.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing.

"A lot of practices have proved that direct negotiations between related parties are the most effective way to resolve the disputes of territorial sovereignty as well as those pertaining to marine rights and interests," Hong said.

He added that China's stance on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent.

Hong made the statement when commenting on Philippine Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario's public statement on bilateral disputes regarding the Nansha Islands.

Del Rosario said China's hesitation to bring the disputes before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea showed that China might not be able to validate its stated positions in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).