China calls for peaceful settlement of maritime disputes

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 9, 2014. [Xinhua/Niu Xiaolei]

A Chinese envoy on Monday called for a harmonious maritime order, saying that maritime disputes should be settled through negotiation between the parties directly involved.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The ambassador said that China attaches high importance to the development of maritime endeavors. "We actively participate in international maritime affairs and call for the building and maintenance of a harmonious maritime order."

"In building and maintaining a harmonious maritime order, all countries should uphold the principles of the convention, exercise their rights accordingly, fulfill their obligations and responsibilities with good will and ensure equal and uniform application of the convention," he said.

Wang noted that China is a staunch defender and promoter of international maritime rule of law and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes.

"The Chinese government believes that the most effective way to peacefully settle maritime disputes is negotiation and consultations between the parties directly involved in the dispute on the basis of respect for historical facts and international law," he stressed.

The Chinese envoy on Monday sent a note to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, presenting documents making clear Vietnam's provocation and China's stance regarding the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.

Wang asked Ban to circulate the Chinese dossier among all UN member states as UN General Assembly documents.

"China sent the note to tell the international community the truth and set straight their understanding on the issue," Wang said.