Cambodia hailed for upholding justice on maritime issue

China speaks highly of Cambodia and other ASEAN countries that stand up for and uphold justice on the South China Sea issue, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang met with Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon in Vientiane, Laos.

"History will prove that the position taken by Cambodia is the right one, which not only safeguards ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality on regional cooperation but also contributes to China-ASEAN cooperation and the big picture of regional peace and stability," Wang said.

Prak Sokhon said that the South China Sea issue is not one between ASEAN and China, and the South China Sea arbitration case has already undermined regional stability.

Instead of adding fuel to the fire to further escalate tension, all parties should calm down and refocus on dialogue and cooperation, which meets the overall and long-term interests of ASEAN and regional countries, he said.

Wang said China "will never allow this region to be messed up by any external forces exploiting and playing up the so-called South China Sea arbitration case".

China would like to work with Cambodia and other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation as prescribed in the DOC, he added.