China to handle sea disputes through direct talks

BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday that China will negotiate directly with relevant parties in regards to resolving disputes in the South China Sea.

"China has long been committed to safeguarding peace and stability by consulting with ASEAN nations and signing agreements, such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

Hong made the remark in response to a question regarding comments made previously by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

"As far as we know, ASEAN nations that are not claimant states, as well as extraterritorial countries, are in a position of non-involvement concerning disputes in the South China Sea," Hong said, noting that such a position is an important precondition for China to maintain peace and stability in the region.