Chinese FM expounds security concept, co-op with ASEAN on disputes

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday expounded China's Asian security concept and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in solving disputes over the South China Sea.

Attending the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers Meeting, Wang reaffirmed that China is committed to working with ASEAN to solve the South China Sea disputes.

Wang made the remarks to rebuke the so-called tense situation propagated by some countries over the South China Sea.

In outlining China's Asian security concept, the top Chinese diplomat criticized certain foreign powers for meddling in South China Sea issues, and put forward constructive proposals for expanding China-ASEAN relations.

QUESTIONABLE US INVOLVEMENT IN SOUTH CHINA SEA ISSUES

Generally speaking, the current situation of the South China Sea is steady without any problem with free navigation, Wang said, rebuking the hype that the region is mired in escalating military confrontation between China and several ASEAN nations.

"Up to now, I have never heard any vessel's free voyage was affected," he said.

Relations between China and ASEAN have remained sound and flourishing, Wang noted, adding the two sides are able and wise enough to safeguard peace and stability of South China Sea through bilateral dialogue and consultation.

The remarks have been interpreted by analysts as China's resolute rejection of U.S. sow-discord behavior in the land disputes in South China Sea.

"I could not understand why some countries out of the region stayed restless to propagate its tense situation," Wang said, "Is it they want to confuse the region?"

"Countries out of the region can reasonably voice their concern, but we disagree with them for coming to the region finger-pointing," he added.

Wang made his point more specific when meeting with his U.S. counterpart John Kerry, saying China will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, maritime rights and interests and stay committed to resolving differences with the countries concerned through dialogue and consultation.

China hopes that all parties will hold dear the hard-won stability of the region, uphold objectiveness and equity and play a constructive role, he said.

In response, Kerry said the U.S. will not take sides on the issue of the South China Sea, adding that what it hopes is peace and stability of the region.

Noting that the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting has reached important consensus, Wang reiterated China's commitment to implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and pushing for the early conclusion of a code of conduct of the parties in the South China Sea (COC) through consensus.