South China Sea must not be tool to contain China, advisory body spokesman says

Wang Guoqing, the new spokesman of China's top meeting of political advisors, said on Wednesday the South China Sea should not be used as a tool of certain countries to contain China.

He made the remarks at the first press conference of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

"Spokespersons of the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry have repeatedly made clear their stances on the South China Sea issue. The CPPCC fully supports their views," Wang said, when asked about US accusations of China seeking hegemony in East Asia through activities in the South China Sea.

"The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, stability and cooperation. The South China Sea issue should not become an excuse and tool for certain countries to contain China's development."