China, ASEAN have confidence on South China Sea talks: Diplomat

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have the will, capacity and confidence to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the South China Sea, a senior official said on Monday.

Le Yucheng, vice-minister of foreign affairs, told a media briefing after the conclusion of the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok that China and ASEAN countries have maintained good communication over the South China Sea issue.

The countries involved have devised a clear roadmap and timetable over negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, he said.

However, certain countries outside the region traveled all the way across half the globe to stir up troubles and create tensions, he noted.

"In my observation, disturbing East Asian cooperation has become their standard practice," he said.

Such practice is neither constructive nor responsible, and it will not win the support of the people, he added.

He said China suggests countries outside the region respect the endeavors of countries in the region to safeguard regional stability and stop acting as a disturbing force to East Asian cooperation.