China supports 'dual-track' approach to resolve South China Sea issue: Chinese FM

China supports and advocates the "dual-track" approach in resolving the South China Sea issue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference after the ASEAN-China (10+1) Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Saturday.

Wang said that the overall situation in the South China Sea is stable and there is no problem with freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

He underlined that the "dual-track" approach includes relevant disputes being addressed by countries directly concerned through friendly consultations and negotiations and in a peaceful way, and peace and stability in the South China Sea being jointly maintained by China and ASEAN countries.

China-ASEAN relations have maintained a sound momentum of growth, he said, adding that China and ASEAN have already found the path for resolving the South China Sea issue.

He stressed that China does not approve of exaggerating and still less sensationalizing the so-called tension in the South China Sea, and calls for vigilance against any hidden motives.

He expounded on the rationale behind China's initiative of the "dual-track" approach in two ways.

Consultations and negotiations by countries directly concerned are the most effective and viable way to resolve disputes, which also conform to international law and common practices and constitute one of the most important provisions in the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), he stated.

Wang also mentioned that peace and stability in the South China Sea concerns the real interests of all littoral countries of the South China Sea, including China and ASEAN countries.

It is the responsibility and obligation of both sides to work together to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Past experience over the years proves that as long as parties concerned remain committed to the "dual-track" approach and encourage positive interactions between efforts along the two tracks, he said.

China and ASEAN countries are well capable of effectively managing and properly handling specific disputes and maintaining overall peace, stability and cooperation in the region, he added.