Full coverage: South China Sea Is Indisputable Part of China

China is gaining more support on the South China Sea issue. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary-general Rashid Alimov has released a declaration, backing China's stance to maintain peace and stability in the disputed region.

Meanwhile, at a meeting of the SCO in Uzbekistan, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi reiterated China's determination on safeguarding its sovereign waters.

In the declaration, SCO members said they agreed with China's stance of solving the territorial maritime disputes in the South China Sea through talks and negotiation, based on bilateral agreements and the Code of Conduct agreed with ASEAN countries.It says the resolution methods chosen by claimant nations should be respected and that SCO members strongly oppose interference or internationalization of the South China Sea issue by any countries outside the region.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Rashid Olimov speaks to media after the foreign ministers' meeting of the SCO in the capital of Uzbekistan on May 24, 2016. Countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Tuesday expressed support for maintaining peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region, including the South China Sea. In a statement of Rashid Olimov on South China Sea issue, all SCO countries agreed and supported China's efforts made to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. (Xinhua/Sadat)

China's Foreign Minister said he is confident in the international community's sense of justice and righteousness concerning the matter.

"There is a clear-cut criterion of right and wrong, and justice lies in people's hearts. More and more countries support China's stance on the South China Sea. Because China's position is in line with international laws, and respects the rule of law. It maintains the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, and the right of every sovereign state to choose their own resolution on disputes. We are also living up to the commitment made by China and ASEAN countries, and the execution of duties of a responsible country," Wang said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses reporters after attending a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers in the capital of Uzbekistan on May 24, 2016. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has become a paradigm of global and regional cooperation with great vitality and significant influence since its founding 15 years ago, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Tuesday. (Xinhua/Sadat)

Also in the meeting, the foreign minister made proposals to improve connection and coordination among SCO members.

Wang called for stronger counter-terrorism intelligence exchanges, as well as closer cooperation in crisis warning, emergency management and joint law enforcement. 

He warned of the risk of terrorism infiltration, as well as the illegal drug trade that funds terrorism groups, especially in Afghanistan.

Wang invited more central Asian countries to join the Silk Road Economic Belt, China's new initiative to build stronger international trade ties.

And he announced that China is in favor of gradually enlarging the SCO family, by opening doors to more countries. The SCO was founded 15 years ago. It currently has seven member states, but Iran and Afghanistan have applied for membership.