South China Sea issue not problem between China, ASEAN, says FM spokeswoman

BEIJING - The South China Sea issue is not a problem between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said here on Saturday.

Hua made the remarks after ASEAN foreign ministers issued a statement in Myanmar on Saturday, in which they expressed "serious concerns" over the ongoing developments in the South China Sea and called for a peaceful resolution.

"The Chinese side is always opposed to one or two countries' attempts to use the South Sea issue to harm the overall friendship and cooperation between China and the ASEAN," said the spokeswoman.

Hua said China stands ready to work together with the ASEAN to continue implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) comprehensively and effectively to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

China and the members of the ASEAN signed the DOC in 2002 and pledged to maintain restraint and not conduct activities that might complicate or escalate disputes in the region.

The Chinese side also hopes that ASEAN countries concerned will sincerely respect and implement the DOC and make positive contribution to peace and stability as well as maritime security in the sea, she added.

The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.