China, ROK to start maritime demarcation negotiation next week

BEIJING - China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will hold the first round of negotiations on maritime demarcation in Seoul on Dec 22, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and his ROK counterpart Cho Tae-yul will jointly chair the negotiation, spokesperson Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing.

"To solve the maritime demarcation issue through negotiations is of great significance in maintaining China-ROK maritime stability and cementing cooperation," she said.

It also reveals China's consistent position to solve disputes with the country directly concerned, based on history and in accordance with international law, she added.

China hopes its negotiations with the ROK will set an example for regional countries to solve similar issues, Hua said.

China and the ROK announced they would start maritime demarcation in 2015 during President Xi Jinping's ROK visit in July, 2014.