Chinese FM rejects Philippine, Japanese, US claims on South China Sea issue

"To maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, we have exercised great restraint."

China's basic stand is resolving relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation on the basis of respect for historical facts and international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"This stand will never change," he said.

After friendly negotiations, Wang said, China and ASEAN countries have formulated a set of mechanisms to properly handle the South China Sea issue.

One is "dual-track" approach, which indicates that relevant disputes should be addressed by countries directly concerned through friendly consultation and negotiation. This is also the stipulation of Article 4 of the DOC, to which both China and ASEAN members have made commitments. Both China and ASEAN countries have agreed to make joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"I want to tell you that China and ASEAN are fully capable of maintaining peace in these waters," Wang said.

The second is about implementation of the DOC and consultation on formulating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

Wang said so far, the DOC has been carried out smoothly, while some progress has been made in the consultation on formulating the COC.

"Since the launch of the consultation less than two years ago, we have passed two consensus documents and the consultation has entered the new phase of discussing 'crucial and complex issues'. We also have agreed to launch two hotline platforms between China and ASEAN countries, which will soon be put into operation."

Thirdly, China has offered to discuss and formulate preventive measures for maritime risk control to provide a new platform for the discussion of proposals and ideas raised by relevant parties. "It can be put into practice once a consensus if reached," Wang said.

On the so-called "three halts" proposal put forward by the United States recently, Wang said it is short of feasibility.

"For example, what is the content of the halts? Proposals of different parties are inconsistent. What are the criteria of the halts? Who will set the standards? These problems actually cannot be solved."

China still welcomes constructive comments on the maintenance of peace and stability in the South China Sea; however, relevant proposals should be feasible and double standards are not allowed in particular," he added.