Most ASEAN members against hyping up South China Sea issue: FM

Most members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) do not agree with hyping up the South China Sea issue, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Spokesman Hong Lei's remarks at a regular press conference came after a statement by ASEAN foreign ministers on Saturday that they "remained seriously concerned over the recent and ongoing developments" in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea issue is an issue between China and some ASEAN countries, not an issue between China and ASEAN as a whole, Hong said, stressing that the meeting has shown that most ASEAN members do not agree with hyping up the issue.

Situation in the South China Sea maintains generally stable thanks to the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN members, said Hong, adding that consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea have made consistent positive progress.

China has always been committed to a "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, Hong stressed.

He called on countries to meet China halfway to safeguard regional peace and stability.

Natural disasters, climate change, terrorism, epidemics, cyber security and irregular migration were among topics discussed by the foreign ministers in Lao capital of Vientiane Saturday.

The group also agreed to promote a peaceful, stable and outward-looking ASEAN region with highly integrated and cohesive regional economy, enhanced connectivity and strengthened efforts in narrowing the development gap. Endi