Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has briefed media in Laos during his visit to Brunei, Cambodia and Laos.

He said significant consensus has been achieved by the four countries on the South China Sea issue. He said all countries believed that the dispute over some reefs near Nansha Islands is not an issue between China and ASEAN, and should not affect their relations. Wang said the second consensus was that all parties should respect the right of relevant countries to choose their own way to resolve the disputes. Unilateral imposition by other countries should not be tolerated.

Wang said that all agreed to the fourth clause of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be respected. Territorial and maritime rights and interests should be resolved by dialogue between directly related countries. And finally, he said all believed China and ASEAN countries capable of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region through cooperation. Wang said countries outside the region should play a constructive role instead of the contrary.