Chinese FM sees 'dual-track' approach practical, feasible solution to South China Sea issue

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the "dual-track" approach is a practical and feasible way to solve the South China Sea issue.

The peace and stability of the South China Sea is in the interests of both China and Brunei, Wang told a press conference.

After an in-depth exchange of views on the situation of the South China Sea, Wang said both sides reached consensus and agreed to push forward the "dual-track" approach -- disputes should be resolved peacefully through negotiation between the parties directly concerned, and China and ASEAN countries should work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The Chinese minister said the "dual-track" approach complies with the peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation advocated by the UN Charter and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) between China and ASEAN countries.

Parties directly concerned in the maritime disputes could find a solution acceptable to them through consultations, Wang said.

"Pending a settlement, they could also discuss and shelve their disputes for joint exploration and development, and constructively manage the differences," he added.

China and ASEAN nations should earnestly implement the DOC while accelerating consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC).

Running counter to the "dual-track" approach, the overall interest of ASEAN would be harmed or hijacked by certain members for their own gains, and the peace and stability of the South China Sea would be jeopardized by the intervention of countries outside the region, Wang warned.

Noting that the "dual-track" approach was first initiated by Brunei, the Chinese top diplomat believed that China and ASEAN nations are capable of managing the maritime disputes and building the South China Sea as a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Wang arrived here on Thursday for a visit to the sultanate, the first leg of his three-nation tour which will also take him to Cambodia and Laos.